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The full implementation of cashless transactions at expressways and interoperability of toll collection systems is eyed by mid-year
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Penetration rate for the cashless or electronic toll collection has improved from 70% to 88% to 90% since the dry run
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Test run for the toll collection interoperability is set on January 10
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A “barrierless system” where toll plazas will no longer be needed along expressways to allow the free flow of vehicle is also being studied
The full implementation of cashless transactions at expressways and interoperability of toll collection systems is eyed by June or July this year, according to the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).
In a recent media interview, TRB executive director Alvin Carullo said the dry run for cashless transactions at Luzon expressways is ongoing, and they hope to make all toll plazas cashless by March.
Since the dry run, Carullo said penetration rate for the cashless or electronic toll collection has improved from 70% to 88% to 90%.
The dry run for the toll collection interoperability, meanwhile, began in December last year and a test run is scheduled on January 10.
The interoperability is a project launched in 2017 after toll road operators signed a memorandum of agreement agreeing to tweak their toll collection systems to make them interoperable and integrated. For motorists using electronic tags, this means they can seamlessly use their electronic tag from one toll road operator to another as they traverse the different toll roads.
Carullo said motorists can have just one RFID tag and one account/wallet for use in the different tollways operated by concessionaires San Miguel Corp. (AutoSweep RFID) and Metro Pacific Toll Corp. (EasyTrip RFID).
He noted, however, this option will be voluntary at first and motorists can still use both their AutoSweep for SMC expressways and EasyTrip for MPTC expressways.
The use of RFID stickers for cashless toll collection is part of phase one of the toll collection interoperability project.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr), through its attached agency TRB, is heavily promoting contactless and cashless toll transactions in tollway facilities.
DOTr in August 2020 issued Department Order 2020-012, mandating toll road concession holders to implement a cashless or contactless toll collection system to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and speed up traffic flow at the facilities, using as legal basis Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act and RA No. 8792 or the Electronic Commerce Act, respectively.
A subsequent addendum to the order issued in January 2021 instituted a transition period to the full cashless transaction program, with cash-accepting lanes maintained at toll plazas and exits.
Carullo said they will have the data from the dry run of cashless transactions by March and will make a recommendation on the lifting of the addendum.
Relatedly, Carullo said TRB, in tandem with DOTr, is studying implementation of a “barrierless system” where toll plazas will no longer be needed along expressways to allow the free flow of vehicles. Carullo said this will help address congestion in expressways, particularly queuing in toll plazas.
