Latest news with #tolling
CBS News
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
Scammers may be using AI to target Florida drivers. Here's what you should do
Florida tolling company or AI scam? Here's how to spot the difference Florida tolling company or AI scam? Here's how to spot the difference Florida tolling company or AI scam? Here's how to spot the difference Scammers have another tool at their disposal in an ongoing fraud that targets drivers in Florida and across the nation. Cyber security experts say artificial intelligence could be helping to make their scams more believable. "It's a scam, flat out," Pat Certain said. Certain has been frustrated for months by text messages he's received from SunPass imposters, threatening him to pay alleged overdue tolls. So how many scam texts has he received so far this year? "A lot, I'd say an easy dozen," he said. Certain said he knows it's a scam, but he's worried about those who are not as tech savvy. "Some people my age and up, we don't know and they just drag people right in and they may not know the lingo," Certain said. The unpaid toll text scam has gotten the attention of Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier who announced earlier this year hundreds of fraudulent websites had been taken down. The fraudulent messages, which usually include a link where people can pay, claim to be from the state. They will often say if the outstanding balance isn't paid within 24 hours, the driver could face suspension of their vehicle's registration or other legal action. The Florida Department of Transportation said that more than 4,000 fraudulent websites have been identified and removed so far this year. Artificial intelligence makes the scam more efficient "The crooks are betting that "A" you have a vehicle and "B" you drive that vehicle," Adam Coughran, a security expert, said. Coughran said the scam texts used to be obvious with misspelled words and bizarre requests. He said now, using artificial intelligence, the scams are more efficient and believable. "You can use it to sort of automate components, so instead of someone on a phone having to text everything and copy and paste every message, it becomes like a robocall," Coughran said. Utilizing AI also makes those perpetrating the scam harder to track, Coughran said. "Unlike a traditional crime, the fingerprints so to speak, or the DNA, to try and grab where it's coming from can be incredibly hard," he said. Here's how to protect yourself People who get a text message that just feels off should never click links within the message. Also, never respond to the text, even if it asks you to reply to end the messaging. In fact, it's best to delete any suspicious texts and keep your phone's operating system updated. Also, report the scam text you get to the state. To report suspicious activity related to SunPass or E-ZPass, Floridians can file complaints on FDLE's Report a Cybercrime webpage.
RNZ News
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- RNZ News
New Zealand Transport Agency working on national plan to toll roads
Currently, three highways have tolls. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly Officials are working on a national plan for tolling roads but say it does not refer to levying motorists on existing roads. Government policy supports using tolls as an additional source of revenue to help build and maintain roads. The New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has been working on a national tolling plan for several months. It had yet to present the plan to the NZTA board, and when it does it would contain recommendations that aligned with government expectations, the agency said. "There is no reference in the National Tolling Plan to the tolling of existing roads," it said. Currently, three highways have tolls, and other new highway projects such as Mill Road in Auckland, and Ōtaki to North of Levin are in line to get them. Previous policy was that any revenue raised by a toll had to be ringfenced to be spent on the road that was levied. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
CBS News
27-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
NYC congestion pricing heads to court as MTA fights Trump administration's push to end program
A hearing will be held Tuesday on the future of congestion pricing in New York City. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority filed a preliminary injunction to fight efforts by the Trump administration to end the controversial tolling program. The hearing is set for 10 a.m. Tuesday at the federal courthouse in Lower Manhattan. A group of congestion pricing advocates, including City Comptroller Brad Lander, will rally outside the court at 9:15 a.m. to show their support for the program. NYC congestion pricing still in effect The MTA is asking the court to stop the U.S. Department of Transportation from following through on its threat to end congestion pricing. In court Tuesday, each side will have 45 minutes to present their arguments. If the preliminary injunction is granted, the DOT would not be able to penalize the MTA for keeping the cameras on until the court makes a final decision in the case. The hearing comes after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy gave New York multiple deadlines to stop the program. He said federal funding would be withheld for future programs in the city, like the Second Avenue Subway, and even in other parts of the state. The most recent deadline was imposed on May 21. The MTA sent a letter to Duffy last week saying congestion pricing is legal and that he doesn't have the authority to terminate it. The MTA said, as of April, there were 12% fewer vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone on a typical day compared to before the toll. Duffy has said he sees congestion pricing as a burden to low and middle income drivers, truck drivers and businesses. After last week's deadline passed, the DOT said it may implement "compliance actions" as soon as May 28. The MTA board is also scheduled to meet Wednesday and is expected to share an update on the efforts.
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Salik added to MSCI UAE Index, widening access to global investors
Dubai, UAE: Salik Company PJSC ('Salik' or the 'Company'), Dubai's exclusive toll gate operator, announces that it has been included in the MSCI UAE Index as per the review announcement by MSCI on 13 May 2025, widely recognised as an important benchmark for decision-making by global investors in Emerging Markets. The MSCI UAE Index, which is a component of the MSCI EEMEA Index, is designed to measure the performance of large and mid-cap segments of the UAE equity market. Index inclusion typically supports increased liquidity for a company's shares and can help to attract more regional and global institutional and index-tracking investors, including those with a focus on Emerging Market equities. Salik's inclusion in the MSCI UAE Index follows the execution of its updated strategy since its implementation in 2024. In core tolling, Salik's proposition has been enhanced by the launch of two new gates in Dubai, taking the total number of toll gates from eight to ten, and the introduction of dynamic pricing, which is expected to drive additional revenue for the business. Alongside core tolling, Salik is expanding ancillary revenue streams including parking solution partnerships with Emaar Malls and Parkonic, and a first-of-its-kind insurance partnership with Liva, a leading multi-line insurer in the GCC. Meeting the necessary market capitalization, free float-adjusted market capitalization and liquidity requirements for inclusion in the Index demonstrates Salik's robust financial performance and unique value proposition, which has resonated with a local and international institutional investor base. Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad, Chief Executive Officer of Salik, commented: 'MSCI's UAE Index offers global investors ease of access and a compelling opportunity to capitalize on the UAE's thriving equity market. We are very encouraged by Salik's inclusion in the Index and would like to thank our investors for their trust in Salik's equity story. This milestone is a testament to our performance and strategic achievements since listing on DFM, in particular the strength of our business model, our unique value proposition and robust financial track record. Salik remains focused on its ambition to become a global leader in providing smart and sustainable mobility solutions. We look forward to continuing to create value for shareholders through 2025 and beyond.' All changes to the MSCI EEMEA Index, of which the MSCI UAE Index is a part, will be effective 2nd of June 2025. About Salik Company PJSC The Company was established in its current form, as a public joint stock company in June 2022 pursuant to Law No. (12) of 2022. 'Salik', which means 'seamless mobility' in Arabic, is Dubai's exclusive toll gate operator and manages the Emirate of Dubai's automatic toll gates utilising Radio-Frequency-Identification (RFID) and Automatic-Number-Plate-Recognition (ANPR) technologies. The Company currently operates 10 toll gates located at strategic junctures, especially on Sheikh Zayed Road, which is considered the main road in Dubai. Salik listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) on 29th September 2022. Under a 49-year concession agreement (ending in 2071), with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Salik has the exclusive right to operate existing and any future toll gates in Dubai. Investor Relations Wassim El Hayek Head of Investor Relations E:
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Salik reports $205mln in revenue for Q1 2025
DUBAI - Salik Company, Dubai's exclusive toll gate operator, today announced its financial results for the three-month period ended 31st March 2025 (Q1 2025). Total revenue for Q1 grew by 33.7 percent YoY to reach AED751.6 million. EBITDA for Q1 increased 37.9 percent YoY to AED519.6 million. In Salik's core tolling business, total chargeable trips reached 158.0 million following the introduction of variable pricing at the end of January 2025 and the launch of the two new toll gates in November 2024. EBITDA margin reached 69.1 percent in Q1 2025, compared to 67.1 percent in Q1 2024, representing a 210 bps expansion YoY, supported by strong revenue growth in the period. The EBITDA margin also improved in comparison to 68.9 percent in FY24. Salik's net profit before taxes totaled AED407.2 million in Q1 2025, marking a strong 33.6 percent YoY increase. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Salik, said, 'Our exceptional Q1 performance reflects a continued focus on delivering long-term value to shareholders and our ambition to become a global leader in providing smart and sustainable mobility solutions. Dubai's robust economic growth – driven by the visionary leadership of the emirate, has played a key role in fuelling our positive momentum and creating a strong foundation for long-term sustainable growth." He added that the company expects annual total revenue to grow by between 28 - 29 percent, expressing optimism about diversifying its operations, expanding beyond the Emirate of Dubai, and exploring new partnerships aimed at enhancing customer experience — all of which are expected to contribute positively to both short- and long-term profit growth. Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad, Chief Executive Officer of Salik, commented, 'We've entered 2025 with strong momentum, with our core tolling business continuing to thrive, bolstered by the opening of two new toll gates in late 2024. We have also maintained progress in our ancillary revenue streams, with both the Dubai Mall and Parkonic parking partnerships seeing good traction with users in the first quarter.' Total chargeable trips, accounting for the new variable pricing, reached 158 million, with total revenue growth exceeding 30 percent. Total revenue from Salik's parking partnerships with Emaar Malls and Parkonic reached AED2.8 million in Q1 2025.
