Published on
August 20, 2025
Florida’s travel and tourism scene just got a big boost. Neology, a worldwide name in transportation tech, won an eight-year, $20 million deal with the Tampa-Hillsborough County Expressway Authority (THEA). This deal will modernize toll operations all across the region. With smoother travel, visitors will have an even better experience in one of the state’s busiest tourism hot spots.
Contract Overview and Operational Back Office System
The partnership will see Neology implement its cutting-edge neoBOSS™ Back Office System (BOSS) for the operational management of tolling processes along the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway. The system will be responsible for processing toll transactions, enhancing financial reporting and reconciliation processes, and integrating various legacy and current toll systems. The neoBOSS™ system is a cloud-based platform designed to make tolling more efficient and accessible, creating a more seamless experience for travelers and boosting the efficiency of Florida’s road infrastructure.
The Lee Roy Selmon Expressway serves as a crucial transportation link for visitors traveling to and from Tampa, Florida. The expressway connects key destinations including Pinellas County, West Hillsborough, Downtown Tampa, and surrounding areas, making it a significant route for both local commuters and tourists heading to the state’s most popular attractions. With improved tolling systems, visitors can expect smoother travel, particularly those coming for conventions, holidays, or exploring the region’s famed beaches and entertainment hubs.
Enhancing Tourism Through Technological Integration
Tolling infrastructure may not immediately come to mind when discussing tourism, but modernizing these systems has a direct impact on the overall travel experience. Tourists, who rely on efficient and easy-to-navigate transportation systems, will benefit greatly from the streamlined processes that Neology’s technology promises. With the integration of dynamic pricing, image processing, and real-time analytics, travelers will face fewer delays, making for a more enjoyable journey—whether it’s a vacationer heading to the Tampa Bay area or a business traveler attending one of the many annual conferences in the city.
Neology’s system also offers improved revenue tracking, ensuring that funds collected from tolls are properly reconciled and distributed, which supports the local government’s reinvestment efforts. This revenue is often funneled into new infrastructure projects, including those that directly support tourism, like new hotels, cultural landmarks, and transportation improvements, thus contributing to the area’s economic development.
Lee Roy Selmon Expressway: A Vital Gateway to Tampa’s Tourism
The Lee Roy Selmon Expressway isn’t just a commuter road—it’s an essential route for the millions of tourists who visit Tampa each year. As one of the most dynamic cities in Florida, Tampa hosts a wide variety of events, including professional sports games, large conventions, concerts, and cultural festivals. This range of activities attracts millions of domestic and international visitors annually, with tourism being a major contributor to the city’s economy. According to the Tampa Bay Partnership, tourism contributes over $7 billion annually to the regional economy. Improving the infrastructure that supports this tourism, such as the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, directly correlates to the growth and success of local attractions, businesses, and hospitality services.
In addition to providing access to downtown Tampa, the expressway leads visitors to surrounding neighborhoods such as Brandon and Southern Hillsborough County, which are home to both tourist attractions and important business hubs. These areas are becoming increasingly popular with tourists looking for a mix of convenience and local culture, offering everything from upscale dining and entertainment options to outdoor recreation, including nature trails and beaches.
NeoBOSS™: A Technology-Fueled Revolution for Travelers
Neology’s neoBOSS™ system offers more than just operational improvements for tolling; it will significantly enhance the customer experience. Features such as trip building and dynamic pricing make it easier for drivers to understand their toll obligations, while offering flexibility in terms of cost depending on time of day or usage. For tourists who are unfamiliar with the area, such adaptive pricing models reduce the frustration of unexpected costs and make traveling more predictable.
Moreover, the neoBOSS™ platform’s integration with the SunPass Commercial Back Office and third-party collections will ensure smooth interoperability between different tolling systems. This streamlining of operations means tourists can focus more on enjoying their visit rather than worrying about toll booths or traffic delays. The result is an improved travel experience for those coming to explore Tampa and its attractions.
A Commitment to Sustainable Growth in Florida’s Tourism Sector
As the demand for travel continues to increase, so does the need for sustainable solutions in the tourism and transportation sectors. By implementing advanced tolling technology, Neology is contributing to the larger goal of creating a sustainable, efficient, and future-ready transportation network that can accommodate growing visitor numbers without overwhelming the infrastructure.
THEA’s decision to invest in innovative tolling systems signals a forward-thinking approach to tourism growth in the Tampa region. Beyond just improving infrastructure, this project lays the groundwork for a broader economic and environmental sustainability plan. The enhanced tolling system could potentially reduce congestion and vehicle emissions, aligning with global efforts to create greener, more sustainable tourism experiences.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Transportation and Tourism in Tampa
This partnership will bring lasting benefits that reach beyond smoother travel to wider boosts in Tampa’s tourism. Fewer traffic jams and a better travel experience mean more visitors will think of Tampa as their number-one spot. Streamlined toll systems and upgraded roads also back Tampa’s drive to shine as a premier choice for both vacationers and business travelers.
Once the project is finished, THEA will keep pouring toll funds back into upgrades that strengthen the area’s tourism framework. Future work on wider transit options, safer road designs, and more parks and open spaces is paving the way for Tampa to be an even more welcoming and lively tourism hub.
Image Credit: neology
