Technological Foundations of Modern Congestion Pricing: Leveraging Mobile Systems for Sustainable Smart Communities

Congestion pricing is now widely employed to manage traffic, reduce emissions, and curb rising mobility costs. While early systems remain in use, advancements in technology have transformed the field. Modern programs enhance traditional toll gantries with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC), RFID transponders, Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR), and smartphone applications - enabling more dynamic, adaptive, and equitable pricing. Frameworks are also expanding to include Transportation Network Companies, micromobility, and, in the near future, autonomous vehicles. This paper traces the evolution of congestion pricing, reviews current technologies, and highlights innovations such as in-vehicle GNSS units, machine-learning-enhanced ALPR, and real-time toll adjustment algorithms. Case studies from Singapore, London, Stockholm, and other leading cities demonstrate best practices in system design, policy alignment, and operations, while also addressing equity, privacy, and public acceptance. The paper concludes with recommendations for developing integrated, sustainable urban transport systems.