NTTA unveils TollGuard to enhance tolling operation efficiency

In a recent meeting of the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) held on May 21, 2025, significant advancements in tolling operations were discussed, particularly the introduction of a new operations center known as TollGuard. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and reliability of tolling and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) across the region.

The meeting featured presentations from key IT personnel, including Corey Carr, the Lane Systems Support Manager, who outlined the purpose and functionality of TollGuard. This advanced operations center is staffed by specialists and analysts dedicated to monitoring tolling systems, ensuring they operate smoothly, and analyzing data to identify trends for performance optimization. Carr emphasized that TollGuard plays a crucial role in incident management, providing tier 1 support for troubleshooting and resolving issues swiftly.

A central theme of the discussion was the alignment of TollGuard with NTTA's mission and strategic goals. The initiative is designed to address the growing transportation needs of the region by improving incident detection, documentation processes, and data reporting. Carr highlighted the importance of collaboration among the IT Roadway team, which includes technicians who work closely to maintain system reliability and resolve issues efficiently.

The development of TollGuard was informed by insights gained from a visit to Florida's Turnpike Enterprise, where NTTA staff learned about advanced monitoring techniques. This experience contributed to the establishment of a dedicated monitoring process and the renovation of an existing space into a functional operations center, equipped with advanced technology to monitor over 5,900 assets linked to tolling and ITS systems.

The meeting concluded with a demonstration of TollGuard in action, showcasing its capabilities in monitoring critical systems such as CCTV cameras, lane controllers, and toll tag readers. The successful implementation of TollGuard represents a significant step forward for NTTA, positioning it as a leader in tolling operations and setting a standard for efficiency and innovation in the transportation sector.

As NTTA continues to evolve its operations, the focus on technology and data-driven decision-making will be essential in meeting the demands of a growing population and ensuring safe and efficient travel across North Texas.