[Goldwingnut]

The HID MaxiProx reader that is used has a 12-14 inch read range with the standard prox card and is designed to read cards through window glass. It cannot read through metal. I've been using these cards for 20+ years and never had problems reading through the windows of a car, SUV, pick-up, or mini-van. As previous respondents have said, just pull up close to the reader and hold the card against the window (don't need to move it around). I normally just coast by the reader with the card in the window and the gate opens easily every time.

Some gates don't work as well as others depending on the mounting of the reader, if there's any metal within 12" it disrupts the read range and lessens it.

Yes long range cards are available (battery powered) but they are expensive ($21/each dealer cost) and have a limited battery life. An upgrade in a system this size would be very expensive! Upgrading to other technology (barcode, active RFID, or others) would be even more expensive, and the transition process would be nightmarish here in TV. No you can't use the SunPass technology, the E6 readers used are about $7k each and have to be tuned to each location and lane.

I spent the last 20 years in the construction industry specializing on high end security systems and have worked extensively with, engineered, and installed all of the above systems and equipment until retiring last year. What we have works well and should be sustainable for the next decade or so.