Bulgaria nationwide GNSS-based tolling
Pioneering the nationwide shift to electronic tolling and e-vignettes, setting a newstandard for efficient, fair, and future-ready road charging across Bulgaria.
Bulgaria’s road system operated under a time-based vignette model, which limited revenue potentialand efficiency. With rising heavy goods vehicle (HGV) traffic, there was a growing need to shift to afairer, distance-based tolling system.
Client:
Road Infrastructure Agency (RIA), Bulgaria
Scope:
Electronic toll collection systemincluding e-vignette and GNSS-based tolling for HGVs
Solutions:
E-vignette, GNSS tolling, web/POS/app integration, EETS & national provider-ready
Key achievements
500+
Authority employees trained
+10%
Increase in toll income (vs. paper vignette)
24/7
Maintenance & support coverage
2 mo.
2 mo. System launchedahead of schedule
Project Scope
Outgrowing a time-based system
The project was contracted by the Road Infrastructure Agency (RIA) in Bulgaria and included:
- e-Vignette System: For Light Vehicles and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs until 03/2020)
- GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) Tolling: Applied to all vehicles above 3.5 tons (from 03/2020)
- Sales Channels: Web, Points of Sale, Self-Service Terminals, and a Mobile App
- Service Providers: The system was designed and built to integrate with various National Service Providers (supplying OBUs or track & trace devices) as well as EETS (European Electronic Toll Service)
Solution
Collaborative solution, delivered with speed and precision
- Trained 500+ Authority employees through phase-specific sessions for full operational readiness
- Introduced GNSS tolling by transitioning HGVs above 3.5 tons from time-based to distance-based charging
- Collaborated closely with the client to establish seven dedicated working groups: Roadside Infrastructure, Data Center, Tolling and Enforcement, Payment and Clearing, Legal, Project Management, and Test & Handover
- Implemented core system components:
- Geo Location Platform (GLP): Processes location data, maps tariffs, and issues ISO-compliant reports
- Commercial Back Office: Manages transactions and service providers
- Enforcement System: Roadside and back office tools including weigh-in-motion and video-based controls
- Deployed an experienced team applying ISO 9001/2008-certified processes, ensuring streamlined implementation and 24/7 maintenance, support, and daily service delivery
Impact
Boosted Revenue
A measurable increase in toll income compared to the former paper-based system
Automated Enforcement
Kapsch is working on automated enforcement as part of its drive for future innovation
Effective operations
Streamlined implementation and 24/7 support ensure smooth daily service delivery
