When it comes to toll roads, there is a list of common services that may come to an operator’s mind:
Preserve the good condition of road surfaces, such as pavements and concrete.
Maintaining the thousands of physical assets in and around the road
Monitor traffic levels to ensure the safety of travellers and road crews.
Operating and maintaining various methods of accepting toll payments
This list only touches the surface; there are dozens of other complexities to consider when operating a toll road. Therefore, it goes without saying that providing road users, both drivers and passengers, with additional services can be quite complicated. One of the most challenging aspects arises from the inability of operators to communicate directly with the end users of their toll road during a journey (not to mention before or after the journey!) But this does not have to be the case! At Openvia we believe that there can be a much closer relationship between toll road operators and toll road travellers and that this will be achieved through mobile app technology.
Slora was born out of this very idea. Developed as a B2B2C platform, Slora is intended to provide travellers and end-users with a range of micro-services. Thanks to the cloud platform and the sleek mobile app, a new connection between operators and end-users has been established. This link allows end-users to enjoy new services, such as paying tolls from their mobile device (everyone has one!). But while tolling may provide an additional layer of convenience for the modern traveller, it is not without its weaknesses: long waiting times in long queues, outdated payment methods (we’ve all reached between the seats to find some change), car-mounted devices needed to use the fast lane, and so on. Slora not only solves these problems by introducing modern solutions, but is also paving the way for more innovative solutions in the future.
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Imagine knowing the changing conditions of the road you are on or important traffic updates in real time via your mobile device. Slora can offer operators a taste of the future by providing these and similar functionalities. And travellers can be confident that the information is accurate because it is sourced directly from the operator (as opposed to the crowd-sourcing that some apps use). How about rewarding frequent users or attracting new users through loyalty programmes? All of this is possible through Slora. These rewarding interactions are how Slora can bridge the communication gap between the toll road operator and the toll road traveller.
However, communication is not a one-way street. By implementing these various functionalities, Slora is opening up a direct communication channel where useful feedback can be collected. Arming operators with this invaluable data will encourage operators to improve the services they offer, react quickly to events or incidents on the road and ultimately create the highest quality travel experience for their users. Welcome to a world where roads are no longer slabs of asphalt. These smart roads can now provide a service, completing a new vision of infrastructure and expanding an operator’s customer base.
Slora 1.0 was launched in late 2020. The application is compatible throughout the state of Virginia; working on almost all major toll roads in the state. The launch was positively praised by the general public, the Virginia Department of Transportation and the media. But Virginia is the first stop on Slora’s long journey by car. In 2021, Slora intends to launch in Chile and Portugal.
Openvia firmly believes that Slora will become a completely new concept offering futuristic experiences for road travellers around the world. The future is on the horizon and Openvia intends to bring it into the present by delivering exciting innovative solutions in the palm of your hand (see: Smartcities). The Slora team is working hard to test these new solutions to expand and improve Slora. Smart mobility is the future and Openvia is consolidating its position with Slora. Who knows? Maybe the next toll you pay with Slora will be charged in your favourite cryptocurrency.
Openvia Team.
