Gila LLC to manage Puerto Rico electronic tolls system
Gila took over the AutoExpreso toll collection program on the island as of July 1, 2015. (Credit: © Mauricio Pascual)
Texas-based Gila LLC, has been awarded an Electronic Toll Collection System operations and maintenance contract for the toll roads owned and operated by the Puerto Rico Highways and Transportation Authority and Autopistas Metropolitanas of PR, known as Metropistas.
The government agency selected Gila to provide comprehensive program management services including customer service center management and operations for all toll roads within the island network. Gila has been chosen to partner with the Highways Authority in an effort to improve systems, decrease costs and enhance customer service.
“We came to the understanding that PRHTA needed to open the service for competitive bidding to look for better offers and to see what else was available,” said Highways Authority Executive Director Carmen Villar. “The procurement was based on qualifications and best value.”
Gila took over the AutoExpreso toll collection program on the island as of July 1, 2015. The amount of the contract was not disclosed. All operations will be handled out of Puerto Rico as Gila continues to expand its nationwide footprint, company officials said.
“Gila is pleased to be a preferred partner for the PRHTA,” said Bruce Cummings, CEO of Gila LLC. “Gila will work diligently on behalf of the PRHTA to significantly improve existing toll operations, maintain cost effectiveness, and uphold high standards of ethics and transparency.”
“Our focus is on the customers that drive the roads and providing the highest level of service and satisfaction at every stage of the experience,” said Cummings.
Gila partnered with Kapsch TrafficCom, a provider of electronic toll collection equipment and maintenance, on the deal.
“Bringing two best in class companies together is why we won this contract: Gila on the back office and customer service side and Kapsch on the design, build and operation of the ETC,” said Cummings. “It is Gila’s innovation and unique ability to improve the customer experience which enables us to find solutions that others cannot.”
