Carma Launches Smartphone-Based Tolling Pilot in the Seattle Region

July 2025

Carma is excited to share that we are partnering with public-sector agencies in the Seattle region on a new smartphone-based tolling pilot designed to explore how modern, flexible technology can support the future of roadway operations.

This project builds on Carma’s experience delivering hardware-free, smartphone-first mobility solutions that help agencies better understand travel behavior, improve system performance, and evaluate emerging policy approaches in real-world conditions. The Seattle pilot is focused on testing how these tools function in a complex, high-demand urban environment, where accuracy, reliability, and user experience are critical.

Throughout the pilot, Carma is working closely with agency partners to support secure toll detection, transparent user communication, and rigorous performance evaluation. The effort reflects a shared interest in understanding how smartphone technology can complement existing tolling infrastructure while reducing friction for travelers and operational burden for agencies.

Importantly, the pilot is designed as a learning exercise. It provides an opportunity to examine system performance, operational workflows, and traveler interaction at scale—helping inform future decisions about tolling, pricing strategies, and technology deployment. Findings from this work will contribute to broader conversations about how transportation agencies can adapt to changing travel patterns and evolving funding needs.

Carma is proud to support forward-looking agencies that are willing to test new approaches and invest in data-driven decision-making. As the project progresses, we look forward to sharing more about what we’re learning and how smartphone-based systems can play a role in the next generation of tolling and mobility programs.