Driving the future of intelligent and sustainable road charging: Meet Marissa, our Sales & Business Development Manager for Tolling Solutions
At Yunex Traffic, we are a global leader in intelligent traffic systems, developing and bringing to life innovative solutions to ensure our roads become safer, smoother and more sustainable. For all road users. Every single day.
Meet Marissa Burkett, our Sales & Business Development Manager for Tolling Solutions. Hear about her role and see how she is driving next generation mobility systems – for today and tomorrow.
Hi Marissa, thanks for speaking with us! Can you please tell us about your role and what you do?
Marissa: Of course! As the Sales & Business Development Manager for Tolling Solutions, my role involves developing relationships with road operators and federal transport ministries, offering guidance on best practices in the development of systems (through speaking at conferences, thought leadership, and market consultation), and then responding to tenders for the systems as providers of both facilitating technology (OBUs, license reader cameras) and the operational back office.
Given the enormous volume of tolling transactions that countries must process, they need robust, reliable, secure, and user-friendly systems – and our solutions are best-in-class.
How long have you been with #TeamYunexTraffic?
Marissa: I joined Yunex Traffic in September 2025 and have just hit my 6-month mark! Prior to Yunex Traffic, I spent almost a decade as a strategy consultant focusing on tolling, Road User Charging (RUC), and other mobility related topics.
Can you tell us more about how your work makes a positive impact, and perhaps share something people might not know about it?
Marissa: Tolling and RUC are vital in helping countries meet carbon and emissions goals. In Europe specifically, where we have our largest customer base, countries are required to meet specific emissions targets as outlined by a European Commission directive. Reforms aim to shift to distance-based charging for both passenger and heavy-duty vehicles, with studies estimating potential CO2 emissions reductions of 4% to 14% by 2030.
There are many ways that RUC systems incentivize more sustainable transport.
Systems can be designed with variable rates based on emissions ratings – cleaner vehicles pay less.
Cordon-based RUC schemes, where vehicles must pass through controlled toll points such as Congestion Charge Zones and Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZs), reduce intercity congestion, create a better life for residents and reduce pollution. Less pollution means less incidences of respiratory infection. In London, the introduction and expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has delivered measurable improvements in air quality and helped the city meet legal nitrogen dioxide limits.
Another benefit of RUC systems is that it permits the incorporation of tolling data into smarter traffic planning, allowing cities to guide traffic efficiently. It also encourages transport companies to think smarter about the types of transport they are using and increases transport efficiency. Finally, and most importantly, RUC aligns with the “User-Pays Principle” which ensures that road users pay exactly what is fair based on their actual usage, providing a more stable funding mechanism for all transportation, especially as revenue from highly political fuel taxes continue to decline.
What is one thing you love most about your role?
Marissa: Intellectually, the thing I love about my role is that I get to help create road systems that are safe and well maintained, making travel safer and contributing to Vision Zero, the EU plan for zero roadway deaths by 2050. Professionally, I enjoy the high level of autonomy and responsibility combined with a support system that allows me to learn and grow. Personally, I enjoy that the role gives me the opportunity to travel and experience new cultures and people, speak in front of large audiences, and build relationships with other experts across the globe. And luckily, I get to make new friends along the way.
Are there any challenges?
Marissa: Of course, similar to any role, there are challenges. The types of schemes we are addressing are major national infrastructure projects, and the tenders involve input from subject matter experts and product owners across Yunex Traffic, requiring extensive coordination – a testament to the strong teamwork and shared commitment across Yunex Traffic. Collaborations with partner companies often require deep understanding of not only cultural nuances, but contract law of countries across the globe too, so that can be a challenge, but it is a great opportunity to learn and ensure our solutions and offering is in line with local requirements.
Can you share a recent success or milestone related to your work?
Marissa: I have several exciting milestones coming up! Over the next months, I’m representing Yunex Traffic at three major industry events. I already introduced our new Vehicle Occupation Detection (VOD) system at Toll Insight’s Express Lanes Conference, together with our Austrian colleagues, in February. Just this week, I represented Yunex Traffic at the RUC Conference in Brussels. And between 10th and 13th March, I’ll be showcasing our tolling systems at Intertraffic Amsterdam. It’s a busy schedule, but I’m really looking forward to each of these opportunities because they highlight the innovative work we are doing and allow us to connect with customers and partners across the industry.
Ultimately, a milestone that I hope to achieve this year is winning a new tolling or RUC project – we have several on the horizon and anticipate a big year for Tolling and Infrastructure solutions. A new national scheme is my main goal at the moment!
If you could say anything to a person considering a role at Yunex Traffic – what advice would you give?
Marissa: We have a great team! In my first six months I have greatly enjoyed working alongside such sharp, knowledgeable, supportive and kind colleagues. I am given a lot of autonomy and personal responsibility but also receive the support and training required to achieve success in my new role. I am very excited to see how my role grows and expands as I continue to learn, and how I can contribute to overall Yunex Traffic global success.
