The state of smart card technology for different applications has developed rapidly in the last decade. Smart card applications in Commercial Vehicle Operations (CVO) have gained impetus within the United States in the last year. A recent federally-sponsored study on Smart Cards in CVO recommended electronic toll, vehicle credentialing, and commercial drivers license as viable application areas for near term implementation. As part of a study in progress focusing on acceptability of a Smart Card based Commercial Drivers License (CDL), surveys with motor carrier firms and operators have been conducted. Results show that institutional issues remain the biggest barriers in smart card technology adoption in the near future. Taken from the perspective of motor carrier firms and operators, these institutional issues are oriented towards end-user concerns. The major issues include privacy, decisions on the multiple uses and applications to be included in a Smart CDL, the role of a Smart CDL in ITS/CVO User Service Areas and links with other relevant information and truck technologies, and perception of added regulatory burden on carriers and operators. Given that moving to a completely paperless system in the near term is not likely, one key to Smart CDL adoption will be taking an incremental migration path strategy. This study also underscores the importance of defining different technology evolution paths and implementation scenarios to help deal with the diversity in federal and state regulations, as well as the diversity within the motor carrier industry.
Abstract