The commute to the Jersey Shore just got faster. The South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) and TransCore on Tuesday announced the successful completion of the all-electronic tolling (AET) conversion across the entire 44-mile length of the Atlantic City Expressway (ACX).
The transition marks the end of traditional “stop-and-pay” toll booths on the Expressway, replaced by a sophisticated, overhead system that allows motorists to maintain highway speeds while tolls are collected electronically.
At the heart of the upgrade is TransCore’s next-generation Infinity® VCATS™ (Vehicle Capture and Tracking System). Unlike older electronic tolling systems that rely on sensors embedded in the pavement, this new AI-powered solution is entirely overhead.
The VCATS™ technology uses advanced machine vision and vehicle tracking to:
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Detect and track: Identify vehicles as they pass under the gantries at full highway speeds.
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Classify axles: Use AI to accurately count axles for proper toll pricing without requiring vehicles to slow down.
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Minimize maintenance: The “walkable” gantry design allows technicians to service the equipment without closing lanes, reducing traffic disruptions for years to come.
As a primary artery connecting Philadelphia to the Jersey Shore, the ACX handles massive traffic spikes during the summer months. The conversion to an All-Overhead Open-Road Tolling (ORT) environment is expected to significantly reduce congestion and idling, lowering carbon emissions and improving overall safety by eliminating the “stop-and-go” patterns at former toll plazas.
“This achievement is the result of a highly collaborative effort,” Stephen Dougherty, executive director of the SJTA said. “Our teams worked hand-in-hand to accelerate the go-live effort over the holidays, ensuring a smooth transition to a modern, cashless environment as 2026 began.”
The ambitious project moved from its first physical installation to full operation in less than a year.
With the system now fully live, the SJTA manages the state’s most extensive overhead tolling infrastructure. Whitt Hall, President and CEO of TransCore, noted that the ACX project serves as a “replicable model” for other major corridors in New Jersey looking to modernize aging infrastructure.
TransCore will continue to operate and maintain the infrastructure to ensure long-term reliability for the millions of drivers who utilize the Expressway annually.
