Verra Mobility, Redflex, ATS and Red Light Camera Installation and Mainence Costs Revealed: What You Need to Know

Red light cameras play a critical role in traffic enforcement, enhancing safety by discouraging drivers from running red lights. In the U.S., several companies dominate the market, including Redflex Traffic Systems, American Traffic Solutions (ATS), and the newer addition, Verra Mobility, which has absorbed ATS. Each company offers a range of pricing models and service contracts that significantly impact municipal budgets. This article reveals the installation and operational costs associated with these companies' red light camera systems and highlights how their pricing structures can influence city expenditures. 

Understanding Red Light Camera Costs

Red light camera programs are multi-layered, requiring investment not only in equipment but also in ongoing maintenance, data processing, and sometimes personnel. This complexity explains the considerable costs associated with these programs.

Key Cost Components:

1. Installation Fees: Installing a red light camera typically costs between $50,000 and $100,000 per intersection, covering equipment, cameras, sensors, and initial setup.
2. Operational Costs: Maintenance and operational expenses range from $15,000 to $30,000 per camera annually, including data processing, software updates, calibration, and staffing.
3. Contract Models: Red light camera companies offer either revenue-sharing or fixed-fee models. Some cities prefer revenue-sharing contracts to reduce initial costs, while others opt for fixed fees for budget predictability.

Redflex Red Light Camera Costs

Redflex Traffic Systems has been a leader in the U.S. red light camera industry for over 20 years. They provide end-to-end services, from installation to violation processing.

1. Installation & Setup Costs: Redflex typically charges $65,000 to $75,000 per camera, depending on the city and specific location. This includes equipment, sensors, and software setup.
2. Annual Maintenance Fees: Redflex charges approximately $20,000 to $25,000 per camera for yearly maintenance. This cost covers software updates, data storage, and equipment upkeep.
3. Revenue-Sharing Model: Redflex often uses a revenue-sharing contract, taking a percentage of the fines collected. This model can reduce upfront costs for cities, although it often includes a fixed minimum revenue guarantee.

ATS (American Traffic Solutions) Red Light Camera Costs

American Traffic Solutions (ATS), now part of Verra Mobility, provides various traffic enforcement solutions across the U.S. ATS is known for its flexibility, offering a range of pricing options and service models to suit different municipal budgets.

1. Installation Costs: ATS installation costs range between $50,000 and $70,000 per camera, with options for leasing equipment to help cities reduce upfront expenses.
2. Maintenance & Operational Costs: ATS charges around $15,000 to $25,000 per camera annually for maintenance, covering data storage, software updates, and equipment servicing.
3. Revenue and Cost-Sharing Models: ATS offers revenue-sharing agreements, allowing cities to split ticket revenue with ATS instead of paying a flat rate, making it more budget-friendly initially.

Verra Mobility Red Light Camera Costs

Verra Mobility, which absorbed ATS, is now a prominent name in the red light camera industry and offers an extensive range of traffic enforcement solutions to municipalities. Verra Mobility provides similar cost structures to ATS but with expanded service capabilities, including advanced data management and analytics tools.

1. Installation Fees: Verra Mobility’s installation fees typically fall between $60,000 and $80,000 per intersection, with the option to lease equipment, allowing cities to minimize capital expenditures.
2. Annual Maintenance & Operation Fees: Verra Mobility charges approximately $20,000 to $30,000 per camera annually for maintenance and operational services, which includes equipment maintenance, software updates, and data processing.
3. Revenue-Sharing Contracts: Verra Mobility offers flexible revenue-sharing agreements similar to ATS, where they may receive a percentage of ticket revenue. These contracts help reduce initial costs for cities and often come with customizable service levels, allowing municipalities to adjust based on budget and enforcement needs.

Comparing Redflex, ATS, and Verra Mobility: Which Is More Cost-Effective?

Each company provides different service levels and pricing structures, and the choice depends on a city’s budget, enforcement goals, and long-term strategy:

• Redflex offers robust service but can be costly due to its minimum revenue guarantees.
• ATS, as part of Verra Mobility, has a reputation for flexible cost-sharing, making it attractive to cities with smaller budgets.
• Verra Mobility provides advanced technology and scalable options, ideal for cities needing more customization in their traffic enforcement programs.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Red Light Camera Solution

Cities should evaluate the red light camera program's cost-benefit ratio, considering the price points for installation, maintenance, and potential revenue from citations. Redflex, ATS, and Verra Mobility each offer distinct advantages that align with different city goals. By understanding the pricing structures and service models of each provider, municipalities can make more informed decisions to enhance public safety while managing enforcement costs effectively.