RDW Awards Netherlands Truck Toll Contract to Triangle for Sustainable Mobility
The RDW, the Netherlands’ vehicle authority, has appointed Triangle as the main service provider for the truck toll system on Dutch highways following a comprehensive European tendering process.
Triangle, a collaborative venture involving Via Verde Portugal, Ascendi O&M, and Yunex GmbH, brings together the expertise of these entities for a decade-long partnership, extendable beyond its initial term. This award marks a significant milestone towards the planned launch of the truck toll system in 2026.
The Role of Service Providers in Truck Tolling
Service providers are essential in the implementation of the truck toll system. They supply truck owners with the necessary on-board equipment and are responsible for collecting tolls and remitting them to the government. But before truck operators can start using these services, they must first sign a contract with an authorised service provider. It sounds like a bureaucratic step, but it’s one that ensures transparency and effective toll collection.
When the truck toll system launches, both national and international truck owners will have multiple service provider options to choose from. This flexibility extends to Triangle and other European Electronic Toll Service (EETS) providers, offering an accessible and competitive landscape.
A Leap Towards Accessibility and Sustainability
“With Triangle’s appointment, we’re taking an important step towards the 2026 rollout of the truck toll system. It’s critical that Triangle’s services are straightforward and accessible for all truck operators,” said Jantina Woudstra, General Director of RDW. “We believe Triangle is well-equipped to deliver on these promises.”
Triangle’s commitment is evident in the words of Eduardo Ramos, CEO of Via Verde and head of Triangle: “The Netherlands has been a leader in sustainable and efficient mobility solutions for years. Securing this contract through a European tender process for the truck toll system on Dutch highways is a testament to our dedication. We are fully committed to fulfilling this contract and serving the public interest.”
The introduction of the truck toll will see truck owners paying per kilometre travelled on motorways, selected N-roads, and a number of municipal roads. At the same time, the Eurovignette will be discontinued, and the vehicle tax for trucks will be significantly reduced. The net revenue from this toll will be reinvested into subsidies for the sustainability and innovation of road transport.
RDW as the Central Implementer of Truck Tolling
The RDW, together with the Central Judicial Collection Agency, Rijkswaterstaat, and the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate, is executing the truck tolling system on behalf of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. In this collaborative framework, the RDW acts as the central coordinator.
The focus of the truck toll initiative aligns with the Netherlands’ larger goals for reducing emissions and pushing the boundaries of sustainable infrastructure. Such initiatives not only serve the public interest by reducing the environmental impact but also set a precedent for other nations looking at sustainable mobility solutions.
What Does This Mean for the Industry?
The introduction of truck tolling is a game-changer for both local and international operators. No longer is road use purely a matter of maintenance; it’s also about aligning with sustainability targets and rewarding those who contribute to a greener tomorrow. The toll will be calculated based on kilometres driven, which means cost-efficiency becomes paramount for trucking companies.
Now, if you’re a logistics firm or a truck owner, the new toll means a change in the way costs are managed. The good news is that the toll revenues are being funnelled back into making road transport more sustainable, giving back to the very industry it serves.
Moreover, the fact that truck operators will have several service provider options, including Triangle and other EETS providers, creates a competitive environment, potentially keeping costs manageable while providing high-quality services.
A European Perspective on Tolling and Mobility
This Dutch initiative also places a spotlight on the broader European trend towards integrating smart tolling systems across borders. With Triangle’s involvement—an international collaboration including Portugal’s Via Verde, Ascendi, and Yunex GmbH—the Netherlands’ move towards efficient, tech-driven toll systems embodies what could be a growing trend in Europe.
Many EU countries have adopted or are planning to adopt similar toll systems, and the Dutch model could very well serve as a benchmark. By using real-time data and modern infrastructure, toll systems like these can optimise road use, reduce emissions, and provide funds for future infrastructure development. This approach, leveraging both public and private expertise, underscores the importance of collaborative ventures in tackling the climate crisis.
Triangle: Pioneering Mobility Solutions
Triangle, with its consortium partners, aims to deliver a seamless and efficient tolling service. Eduardo Ramos of Via Verde highlighted that the partnership with RDW is not just a business transaction but a long-term commitment to sustainability. “We intend to make truck tolling as easy as possible for operators while ensuring that the funds collected are put to the best possible use,” he said.
Via Verde’s experience in electronic toll collection, Ascendi’s focus on operations and maintenance, and Yunex’s expertise in intelligent traffic systems bring a blend of innovation, practicality, and vision to this project. Triangle’s approach embodies the concept of “mobility as a service,” meaning the focus is not just on technology but on creating an efficient and user-friendly experience for the operators who make European logistics possible.
Impacts on Local Communities and Industry Stakeholders
The truck toll system isn’t just about trucking companies; it has wider ramifications. Local communities stand to benefit from reduced emissions and less traffic congestion. The government’s use of the net toll revenues to fund sustainability and innovation will have a direct impact on reducing pollution, meaning cleaner air and fewer greenhouse gases.
For industry stakeholders, such as policy makers, investors, and construction professionals, the opportunities are manifold. Investors will likely find interest in the sustainable projects that are funded by toll revenues, while construction professionals will be tasked with the ongoing development and maintenance of the infrastructure that supports these mobility solutions.
Technology and the Future of Smart Roads
The role of technology in implementing and managing this toll system cannot be overstated. From GPS tracking to on-board devices for automated tolling, the infrastructure required will need to be robust, secure, and highly efficient. This push for technological integration extends to smart highways, where data collected from tolling systems can contribute to broader traffic management and infrastructure maintenance.
The Netherlands, like much of Europe, is on the brink of integrating more IoT and smart solutions into road infrastructure. Real-time data collection from tolling points can feed into broader systems that help manage traffic, reduce accidents, and ensure smoother commutes.
Driving Towards a Sustainable Future
The collaboration between RDW and Triangle heralds a future where sustainability and technology go hand in hand. By 2026, the Netherlands aims to have a truck toll system that not only manages road use effectively but also contributes positively to the environment. Triangle’s involvement is set to make this a reality, combining international expertise with local know-how to serve the public good.
This initiative is not just about toll collection—it’s about laying the groundwork for a future where mobility, technology, and sustainability coalesce to create smarter, more efficient road networks.
