Tag: tolling

Caltrans, the California Department of Transportation, has joined OmniAir Consortium. 

Caltrans manages more than 50,000 miles of California’s highway and freeway lanes, provides inter-city rail services, permits more than 400 public-use airports and special-use hospital heliports, and works with local agencies.

Caltrans carries out its mission with six primary programs: Aeronautics, Highway Transportation, Mass Transportation, Transportation Planning, Administration, and the Equipment Service Center.

Since its creation 50 years ago, Caltrans has managed one of the most complex transportation systems in the nation and helped play a vital role in creating the world’s fourth largest economy.

“We are delighted that Caltrans, one of the largest, most innovative, forward-thinking transportation organizations in the United States as our newest member,” said Jason Conley, Executive Director of OmniAir®.  “Caltrans has long been a leader in the deployment of intelligent transportation systems, and other advanced mobility programs.  We look forward to working together to advance interoperability and certification for transportation technologies.”

OmniAir offers independent, third-party testing and certification programs through a network of independent test laboratories, using qualified test equipment and validated test cases.  OmniAir currently offers certification for vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies and RFID tolling tags and readers.   OmniAir Working Groups are developing new certification solutions to include Road Usage Charge (RUC), V2X safety applications, and Aftermarket Safety Devices (ASD).

OmniAir and its members from across industry, government, and academia are working collaboratively towards smarter and more connected transportation systems, paving the way for a safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible future.  For more information about membership opportunities, please contact Ryan Hall, Vice President of Business Development, or join online.

About OmniAir Consortium

OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private companies, research institutions, and independent test laboratories. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org

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OmniAir Consortium®, the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles, declares 2024 as the “Year of Interoperable Connectivity.”

With the accelerating pace of V2X deployments in the United States and around the world, there is a growing push to ensure the availability of interoperable connected mobility technologies.  OmniAir is making helping industry and government achieve interoperable connectivity. 

In October, the U.S. Department of Transportation published its draft “Plan to Accelerate V2X Deployment.”  The plan sets ambitious goals for deploying interoperable connected V2X connectivity between devices and SCMS providers using the dedicated 5.9 GHz Spectrum. 

OmniAir’s testing and certification programs are designed to help vendors meet these requirements through independent testing and certification, Plugfests, virtual testing events, and technical capacity-building activities.

“With deployments of C-V2X and connected mobility accelerating globally, ensuring interoperability is more important than ever,” said Jason Conley, Executive Director of OmniAir Consortium. “OmniAir stands ready to support through our certification programs.”

OmniAir’s commitment to promoting interoperability takes center stage with several key initiatives slated for the year:

  1. C-V2X RSU & OBU Certification: OmniAir now provides the industry’s sole full-stack independent, third-party testing and certification program for C-V2X On-Board Units (OBUs) and Roadside Units (RSUs). Certification testing is conveniently accessible at a network of global test laboratories and field test facilities.
  2. C-V2X Module Certification: In December, OmniAir launched its certification program for C-V2X modules encompassing pure radio and “functional” C-V2X modules. This paves the way for enhanced compatibility and connectivity.
  3. Multi-Protocol RFID Tolling Tag and Reader Certification: Starting in February, applications will be accepted to certify multi-protocol RFID tolling tags and readers. This aligns with OmniAir’s commitment to fostering national toll interoperability.
  4. SCMS Interoperability: March marks the commencement of an optional certification for 1609.2.1 compliance, offering a pathway to achieving SCMS interoperability. This builds on the success of OmniAir’s virtual testing events and Plugfest testing in 2023.
  5. Plugfest Testing Events: In May, OmniAir invites the global V2X industry to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for the “OmniAir Plugfest at Mcity, hosted by UMTRI.” This week-long testing event will bring together industry stakeholders for interoperability and conformance testing. In October, a second Plugfest will be hosted outside of the United States to cater to the global marketplace.
  6. New Working Groups: OmniAir introduces working groups focusing on Aftermarket Safety devices, Road Usage Charge (RUC), and V2X Safety Applications. These groups will develop test plans and procedures to support the certification needs of transportation technologies globally.
  7. Knowledge Sharing and Learning Sessions: Throughout the year, OmniAir will host webinars, workshops, and technical learning sessions, providing insights into emerging technologies, evolving standards, and the latest in test tools and deployment guidance.

If you’re passionate about shaping the future of connected mobility and ensuring interoperability, we invite you to join OmniAir Consortium.

Participate in our working groups, attend our Plugfests, and be at the forefront of the future of interoperable connectivity in 2024!

Join OmniAir today and get involved! 

About OmniAir Consortium: OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, public companies, research institutions, and independent test laboratories. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org

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OmniAir Consortium® has issued a Call for Nominations for candidates interested in serving on the organization’s Board of Directors.
 
There are currently three open positions for Directors.  In addition, OmniAir is accepting nominations for Officer positions, including Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer.
 
OmniAir® seeks exceptionally qualified candidates who possess the requisite judgment, experience, and expertise to serve in this leadership capacity. Candidates must be willing and able to dedicate the necessary time and resources to help OmniAir advance its mission to promote certification and interoperability for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles.
 
OmniAir Consortium is a global organization, representing a broad cross-section of transportation technology industries. OmniAir offers independent, third-party testing and certification through a network of accredited test laboratories, using qualified test systems, and validated test cases. OmniAir Certification provides assurance to deployers that devices conform to industry standards and meet interoperability and security requirements.
 
The Board of Directors meets in person 4 times per year (virtual available) and helps to set the strategic direction for the organization.  Committees of the Board include Executive, Finance, Meetings, Bylaws, and Marketing.  OmniAir also operates Working Groups and Sub-Working Groups on topics related to tolling, cybersecurity, Road Usage Charge, and connected vehicle hardware and applications. 
 
Elections will take place at the Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors on December 13, in New York City. Directors serve for a term of three years and are eligible for reelection.
 
Candidates for the OmniAir Consortium Board must be the “primary representative” of an Associate or Executive Member in good standing. For Associate level members interested in serving on the Board, that member must elevate their membership to “Executive” or “OmniAir Sustaining Partner” before its representative can assume a Directorship or Officer position.
 
Candidates are requested to submit a letter of interest, and a copy of their resume and or biography to the Nominating Committee of the Board, via the Executive Director no later than 5:00 PM Eastern on Wednesday, November 15.
 
About OmniAir Consortium: OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private companies, research institutions, and independent test laboratories. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.
 

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Dear OmniAir Members and Supporters, 

I want to share some news about OmniAir Consortium and our plans for the coming year. 

Since our founding nearly 20 years ago, OmniAir Consortium’s mission has remained consistent—promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles.  Our belief has been and continues to be, that the availability of certified and interoperable devices will help to increase market choice, reduce costs, and lead to more ubiquitous deployments. 

Trust is essential for the connected vehicle ecosystem to thrive. OmniAir builds trust through independent, third-party testing and certification. Our certification programs are relied upon every day by infrastructure owner operators and OEMs to ensure that technologies conform to industry standards, and meet interoperability, security, and performance requirements.

Over the years, OmniAir and our members to accomplish great things, including developing the world’s first independent, third-party certification programs for DSRC, C-V2X, and RFID tolling technologies. 

OmniAir Working Groups continue to advance the state of practice for connected vehicle and tolling testing in areas as diverse as V2X hardware and applications, RFID tolling, road user charge (RUC), cybersecurity, and aftermarket safety devices to protect vulnerable road users. 

OmniAir Plugfest events bring together the connected vehicle industry and experts from across the globe for a week of connected vehicle testing in laboratory and field environments, workshops, and networking. 

A Year of Accomplishments

Thanks to the contributions of our volunteer members, OmniAir has had some significant accomplishments. In 2023, we have:

  • Launched the first comprehensive testing certification program for C-V2X RSUs.
  • Authorized field test sites in Europe and North America.
  • Welcomed our first OmniAir Authorized Test Laboratory in Taiwan.
  • Completed over a dozen test documents for multi-protocol tolling certification.
  • Released the OmniAir Test Control Interface as an open-source testing tool.
  • Hosted our first virtual security testing event focused on testing to the 1609.2.1.
  • Started a new OmniAir Working Group focused on V2X Aftermarket Safety Devices.

Next month, OmniAir members from around the world will gather in Taipei for our first connected vehicle testing event in Asia. 

Looking Ahead to 2024

OmniAir and our members will continue to build on this momentum in 2024. OmniAir Working Groups will be focused on several exciting projects and activities:

  • C-V2X Aftermarket Safety Device (ASD) certification.
  • Road usage charge (RUC) and V2X-based payments.
  • Multi-protocol RFID tolling certification.
  • V2X safety applications and universal alert messages.
  • Sensors for connected intersections.
  • Plugfests in North America and Europe.
  • Workshops on timely topics including 5G NR, cybersecurity, and RUC certification.

Planning for the Future

OmniAir must ensure we have the necessary staff and resources to continue serving our members’ needs and fulfilling OmniAir’s mission.  

Like many organizations, OmniAir has been navigating an inflationary environment through prudent spending decisions and cost-cutting where warranted.

To continue to build for the future, we must adjust our dues structure for 2024. We recognize the challenge that some of our members face with increasing expenses. This will be our first dues adjustment in two years.

Working with OmniAir’s Board of Directors in planning for 2024, we have done our best to keep any dues increase minimal, especially for our public sector members.

Associate Public Sector                  $5,000 USD (unchanged)
Associate Private Sector                 $7,500 USD (vs $6,000 in 2023)

Executive Public Sector                   $11,000 US (vs $10,000 in 2023)
Executive Private Sector                  $15,000 USD (vs $12,000 in 2023)

OmniAir Sustaining Partner            $30,000 USD (unchanged)

Certification services fees and Plugfest testing fees will not increase. Members do have the option of upgrading to our OmniAir Sustaining Partner Program, which is inclusive of membership, certification services, and Plugfest fees. 

In the near future, we will provide additional information about dues renewals and packaged pricing options for savings. 

Conclusion 

We very much appreciate your continued support of OmniAir and its mission. It is only with the support and volunteer contributions of our members that we can be successful.

I hope to see many of you at our OmniAir Taipei Plugfest in a few short weeks.

If you have any questions or need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me or any of the OmniAir team.

Thank you again.

Jason M. Conley
Executive Director

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OmniAir Consortium®, the premier industry association advancing interoperability for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), tolling, and connected vehicles, announces that FEIG ELECTRONIC is our newest member.

With over 50 years of experience, FEIG ELECTRONIC has consistently elevated electronic tolling technology standards. Their comprehensive portfolio, encompassing passive RFID readers, contactless payment terminals, barrier control units, and inductive loop detectors, has significantly impacted the tolling sector. Their Free-Flow Tolling Systems and Stationary Plaza Tolling positions them as a valuable addition to the OmniAir Consortium.

FEIG’s decision to join OmniAir® underscores its dedication to advancing cutting-edge tolling solutions and driving innovation within the industry.

“We welcome FEIG ELECTRONIC to the OmniAir Consortium,” said Jason Conley, Executive Director of OmniAir Consortium. “Their expertise and commitment to innovation resonates with our mission to promote interoperability and certification for tolling technology.”

OmniAir has offered certification for single-protocol 6C RFID tags and readers for over ten years and is launching a new OmniAir® Certification program that will offer independent, third-party testing and certification for multi-protocol RFID tolling tags and readers that support 6C, 6B-80K, and TDM.

For further insights into FEIG ELECTRONIC and their groundbreaking free-flow tolling technology, please visit www.feig.de.

About OmniAir Consortium: OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private companies, research institutions, and independent test laboratories. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.

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