IP: TollRoad (CA 91) and anonymity (fwd)

[Dave Farber <farber () central cis upenn edu>]

> From gregbrooks () earthlink net Thu Jan 25 12:30:45 1996
> Date: Thu, 25 Jan 1996 09:39:18 -0800
> To: dc () panix com
> From: gregbrooks () earthlink net (Greg B.)
> Subject: Re: Tolls and private highways (was: Re: private highway?)
>
> > The following message is a courtesy copy of an article
> > that has been posted as well.
>
> [please post my response to the appropriate usenet groups -- I'm at work
> and only have email here at my office.]
>
>
> > [1] How easy is it to clone a valid toll box thingie (the thing you buy
> >    and put in your car) ?    Such cloning has been a problem with
> >    cellular phones.
>
> There's a custom chip inside the transponder, so cloning is going to be
> pretty much impossible without access to a supply of those chips.
> Additionally, the communications between the transponder and the antenna
> array, as well as between the array and our computer system, are encrypted.
>
>
>
> > [2] How actually does one buy a toll thingie and put money into an account ?
> >    Are they on sale at 7-11 or gas stations, or where ?
>
> We offer the transponders via mail (you can call an 800 number for an
> application) and via a customer-service center for walk-ins. There's some
> talk of exploring mass market channels, but nothing firm yet.
>
> > [3] How does one add more money to a thingie ?  Or does one add money
> >    to an account, and leave the thingie unchanged ?
>
> The thingie remains unchanged. (Sounds prophetic, no?) When you sign up for
> an account and transponder, here's what happens: If you sign up for a
> credit-card account, we take an imprint of your card in lieu of a deposit
> on the transponder, and we start your account off with a minimum balance of
> $40. You, as a customer, agree to let us go back to your credit card and
> replenish the account based on a pre-agreed amount when the balance reaches
> a minimum level (typically $10). We also do the same for checking accounts
> (automatic withdrawl) and have cash options for those customers who aren't
> comfy with recurring automatic transactions on their card or account. The
> replenishment of the accounts is system-based -- that is, you don't need to
> physically bring your transponder in for a "fill up."
>
> > [4] If one is required to give a name when setting up an account
> >    is it an offense to give a false name ?
>
> We have an anonymous account option.
>
>
> > [5] I have concerns about the privacy of the information collected
> >    about who goes where when.  I suspect that your company will comply
> >    with a court order or search warrant rather than dual to the death with
> >    the SWAT team.   How often and how thoroughly do you purge your
> >    records ?
>
> Our records are much like those kept by the phone company -- they're sealed
> to the public and to official requests that aren't accompanied by a court
> order. One area where we're actually more concerned about privacy than the
> state of California is in the area of mailing lists. Quite simply, we'll
> never sell our customer list to anyone for any reason -- but even the state
> DMV sells lists. We don't ever purge our records.
>
>
> > [6] How many intersections/on/off/ramps are there ?
>
> The project is a true express lanes configuration -- no intermediate
> access. Basically, you get on at one end and get off 10 miles later.
> Flexible channelizers form the barrier between the freeway and the project,
> so in an emergency you could get out if you needed to.
>
>
>
> > [7] What is the speed limit and who set it  ?
>
> Because the project was dedicated as part of the state highway system
> before we opened to the public, the speed limit is the same as the adjacent
> freeway -- 65 mph.
>
>
> > [8] What is the largest/heaviest/most-wheeled vehicle you accept ?
>
> No trucks hauling boats or large horse trailers. No 18-wheelers. Bobtail
> trucks are OK, I believe (I'll double-check this).
>
>
> Hope this helps!
>
> //greg brooks
> gregbrooks () earthlink net