Unified RFID for all Luzon tollways launched

MANILA, Philippines, October 22 ------ Only one RFID sticker is now required for vehicles passing through all Luzon tollways.

The government, through the Department of Transportation, began implementing yesterday its “One RFID, All Tollways” project that allows motorists to choose between Autosweep or EasyTrip as provider of radio frequency identification or RFID stickers for their vehicles. “Sometimes, you loaded the one for NLEX, but forgot the one for TPLEX. As a result, you have to queue to pay, a waste of time that you should have devoted to sightseeing, bonding with family and work,” President Marcos said at the launch of the One RFID, All Tollways in Laguna. “We listen to the appeal of our countrymen. We studied the problem and we came up with a good solution. Starting today, only one RFID sticker is needed for the toll expressways for the entire Luzon,” Marcos added.

Also at the launch, acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the program would significantly ease travel for motorists using Luzon tollways. Under the new system, users have to affix the RFID sticker inside the car, or specifically behind the windshield, and not anymore on the headlights. After selecting their provider, motorists would have to visit a service center to have the other RFID sticker on their vehicle removed. “This has gone through a stress test, so it means that it is working. If there are small instances of problems, it is either the RFID is defective or you have to check your account if it has a negative balance,” Lopez said.

Luzon’s tollways include the Skyway, South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), STAR Tollway, Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway (TPLEX), Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway (NAIAx), Muntinlupa–Cavite Expressway (MCX), North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), NLEX Connector, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (CAVITEX) and C5 Southlink.

President Marcos noted that under the two-card system, motorists have to use Autosweep when passing through TPLEX or Skyway and Easytrip when going to NLEX or SCTEX. This requires them to maintain and fund two accounts. Marcos said a system for group or fleet accounts, which he said comprise a “very small minority” would be launched next year. “We aim to have a seamless travel from north to south of Luzon. Reduce unnecessary stress. Reduce unnecessary delays,” the Chief Executive said. “This reform in the RFID system is part of our larger objective to make our infrastructure more modern, connected and responsive to the needs of every Filipino,” he added.

The President thanked Metro Pacific Investments Corp. led by its chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan and San Miguel Corp. led by its chairman and CEO Ramon Ang for “being part of the solution,” describing them as “stellar partners in the private sector.” “This is once more proof that together, we can create innovative solutions to the everyday challenges faced by our people,” Marcos said.

Source: philstar.com