Hong Kong-based automatic vehicle identification (AVI) technology company Star Systems has introduced a dual-frequency transponder to improve road tolling.

The Falcon transponder combines ultra-high frequency (UHF) capability for traditional tolling systems and near-field communications (NFC) for seamless integration with mobile applications. This opens the door to possibilities beyond conventional toll systems used today.

“This is a significant step forward for electronic toll collection,” said Stephen Lockhart, chief technology officer of Star Systems. “With the introduction of shared data in both the UHF and new NFC interface, we’re unlocking a level of versatility that hasn’t been seen before in vehicle transponders. Furthermore, this will greatly increase the connection between toll agencies and drivers.”

The transponder introduces various ways to improve enforceability for toll agencies and enhance the driver experience. With integrated NFC functionality, these tags enable real-time interactions between vehicles and mobile applications.

One potential use case is high occupancy toll (HOT) and express lane management. Vehicle occupancy declarations could be more easily enforced through mobile app verification rather than self-declaration. A sticker tag such as the Falcon can be more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly compared with the traditional switchable hardcase tags. In addition, the mobile app could offer other features such as receiving alerts, checking balances and refilling toll accounts, all enabled by the NFC interface on the Falcon tag.

The dual-frequency architecture opens the door for integration into broader intelligent transportation systems, including emerging road usage charging programmes, parking management and mobility-as-a-service platforms.

The Falcon is Gen2V2 compliant and offers embedded cryptographic authentication, providing security for high-trust applications. This flexibility positions the dual-frequency transponder as a tool in the evolution of connected vehicle infrastructure.

Founded in 2013, Star Systems (www.star-int.net) specialises in automatic vehicle identification technologies. It focuses on providing transponders, readers and professional consulting services for smart city initiatives, including electronic tolling, congestion and road use charging, electronic vehicle registration, express and HOT lane, fleet management, and parking and secure access control applications.