The development of FasTag scanners has revolutionized the way we experience toll collecting on highways in the constantly shifting environment of transportation and technologies. FasTag, India's electronic toll collection system uses RFID technology to enable fast and cashless transactions at toll collection points.
What is a FASTag Scanner?
A FasTag scanner is a device used in the FasTag electronic toll collection system, which is mainly utilized on Indian highways and motorways. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has installed FASTag scanners at toll plazas to facilitate electronic toll collection.The FasTag system uses Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to speed up and accelerate toll collection processes. The FasTag scanner is essential in this system because it reads information recorded on the FasTag label attached to a vehicle and allows for speedy and cashless transactions at toll plazas.
How FasTag Scanners Work?
FasTag scanners work in sync with a well-coordinated process that starts with the detection of a FasTag sticker on a vehicle windshield and ends with the deduction of the necessary toll amount when a vehicle passes through the toll plaza.
When a FasTag-equipped vehicle approaches a toll booth, the FasTag scanner uses Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology (antennas) to quickly detect and communicate with the unique identifier on the FasTag sticker. The RFID chip on the sticker is linked to the user's FasTag account, which has the required toll amount pre-loaded. The scanner immediately deducts the toll charges from the user's account after successful detection.
RFID Technology
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology is used by FasTag scanners. Each car gets fitted with a small RFID sticker known as the FasTag, which contains a unique identifying number connected to the account of the vehicle owner.
FasTag Sticker Positioning
Vehicle owners are required to place the FasTag sticker on the top-center area of their glass. This positioning guarantee that the FasTag and the RFID Fixed reader placed at the toll plaza communicate effectively.
Set up Wallet
Vehicle owners must first open an account with a certified bank or a FasTag service provider to use FasTag. Users can link their FasTag to a variety of sources, including their Paytm wallet, UPI apps, and direct bank accounts. This flexible linking feature ensures customers can select the payment option that best suits their needs. FasTag enables a variety of payment preferences, making toll payments a hassle-free experience for travelers, whether it's the ease of digital wallets like Paytm, the flexibility of UPI applications, or the direct debit from a bank account.
Toll Plaza FasTag Scanner
The FasTag scanner mounted at the toll booth scans the RFID sticker on the vehicle's windscreen as it approaches a toll plaza. The RFID scanner communicates with the FasTag using radio-frequency transmissions to obtain the unique identifying number.
Toll Charges Deducted Automatically
The toll charges are automatically debited from the associated prepaid wallet after the RFID scanner successfully recognizes the FasTag. This method eliminates the necessity for cash transactions or stops at toll booths or plaza.
Indicator Lights and Gates
When a transaction is completed, the FasTag scanner activates indicator lights and if applicable, the toll gate arm opens and allows the vehicle to pass through without interruption.
FasTag Scanner Price
FasTag scanners are available from a variety of manufacturers, each with its unique set of features and cost. It is critical to select a reliable and suitable scanner for easy integration into tolling station systems.
FasTag Scanner are basically RFID Readers, typically RFID fixed readers that are set up at toll plazas to facilitate automatic/electronic toll collection.
The cost of a FasTag scanner can vary, depending upon the need at toll collection stations, in terms of antenna ports, network connectivity, form factor, tag read-rate, receiving sensitivity, wireless connectivity option, etc.
The cost of an RFID FasTag scanner depends on the specific needs at the toll plazas and starting at INR 7000-8000 (for desktop RFID readers), going up to INR 70-80k for a Zebra RFID Reader and more (depending on the manufacturer and specifications).
Benefits of FasTag Scanners
FasTag scanners provide several advantages, including a more efficient and simplified toll collection system on highways and motorways.
Here are a few main benefits of FasTag scanners:
Time Management
FasTag scanners considerably cut the time spent at toll plazas, ensuring commuters have a quick and efficient transit.
Transactions without cash
Toll payments become cashless using FasTag, supporting a safer and more convenient manner of transaction.
Reduced traffic
The faster toll collection method reduces traffic at toll plazas, contributing to smoother highway traffic flow.
Increased Accountability
FasTag transactions are electronically recorded, increasing transparency and eliminating the possibility of manual errors or anomalies.
Interoperability across the entire nation
FasTag has been designed to be accessible across all toll plazas in the entire nation, offering travelers on national highways a seamless experience.
To conclude, The FasTag scanner is a modern technology that simplifies the toll payment procedure, avoiding long lines and shortening travel time. Fastag Scanner uses Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to ensure rapid and precise toll transactions, making journeys easier and more convenient.
FasTag Scanners are also used at Parking Facilities to provide efficient parking management while leveraging FasTag technology solution and the existing infrastructure.
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