Tolling transponder agreement secured by Free with Via Verde Portugal
Q-Free, a global solutions company, has secured a significant three-year contract with Via Verde, one of Europe's largest providers of transponders and onboard units (OBUs). This agreement extends their long-term business partnership, which has been in place for over 20 years.
The partnership, built on a foundation of common values and true collaboration, will see Q-Free deliver interoperable devices designed to function seamlessly across toll roads in Portugal, Spain, and France. Q-Free's transponders are ideally suited for these applications, featuring a long battery life built to support high-frequency daily transactions, reliably and accurately.
Via Verde's widely adopted dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) transponders have high market penetration and are used for more than just tolling. They enable seamless payments for parking, drive-through services, ferries, vehicle inspections, and more. This versatility was a key factor in Via Verde's decision to award this contract to Q-Free.
Q-Free is commended by Via Verde for their commitment to sustainability, specifically in manufacturing and product packaging, logistics, and operations. Their ability to potentially recycle and service transponders inside Portugal was also highlighted. This commitment to sustainability is a reflection of Q-Free's values and their dedication to their clients and customers.
Mark Talbot, CEO of Q-Free, expressed his excitement about expanding the company's work with Via Verde. He believes this partnership could set a standard for future collaborations in the industry, potentially paving the way for a new model of partnerships in the sector.
The percentage of Q-Free products returned for warranty issues has been extremely low throughout their history together, a testament to the reliability of Q-Free's products. This reliability was another factor that Via Verde considered in awarding the contract.
In the past three years, Kapsch TrafficCom received a multi-million euro contract to supply 2.4 million tolling transponders to Via Verde Portugal. However, Q-Free's work with Via Verde is particularly significant due to their shared values and understanding of collaboration.
This new agreement underscores Q-Free's commitment to its clients and customers, and marks another step forward in their long-standing partnership with Via Verde. As both companies continue to innovate and collaborate, the potential for future advancements in the industry is exciting.
