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Implementation of cashless toll collection on Luzon expressways moved to Dec 1 from Nov 2
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Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. to allow motorists without RFID stickers to enter expressways but will be directed to RFID installation lanes
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San Miguel Corp. giving motorists on its expressways until Nov 30 to secure RFID stickers
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is moving to December 1 the start of the mandatory implementation of cashless toll collection on Luzon expressways to give motorists enough time to secure their radio frequency identification (RFID) stickers.
The extension was made to allow motorists, especially infrequent toll road users, more time to comply with the new policy, and ease the current long queues at toll roads as motorists rush to get their RFID stickers, Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) executive director Abraham Sales said in a statement.
RELATED READ: DOTr requires contactless, cashless toll payments by Nov 2
Cashless toll collection is mandated to be implemented pursuant to DOTr Department Order 2020-012, which was issued by the government to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and facilitate passage on expressways.
Under the order, DOTr-attached agency TRB should ensure that toll operators install electronic tags or other cashless systems for all motorists and motor vehicles using the expressways, and transact only through a cashless mode of payment.
Even before DOTr announced the extension, toll road operators already said they will continue to install the RFID stickers on vehicles even after November 2, which was the previous scheduled enforcement date.
READ: Installation of RFID stickers extended beyond Nov 2
Toll operator Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) earlier said it was aware that motorists long used to paying cash will need a transition period.
Thus, MPTC said motorists without Easytrip RFID stickers by November 2 will be allowed passage on its operated expressways, but directed to the RFID installation lanes to have their RFID stickers installed.
The corresponding toll fee charge for their passage on that day will then be deducted from the initial load the motorists paid to get the RFID stickers.
MPTC operates the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), C5 Link, and Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX).
“We will convert some of the remaining cash lanes in all toll plazas of MPTC expressways to RFID installation lanes. At the same time, the off-site customer service stations will continue to operate and install RFID stickers,” MPTC chief of technology and MPTC south president and general manager Roberto V. Bontia said.
“The stickers will remain to be free except for the initial load,” he added.
MPTC said it will open RFID installation lanes at all entry toll plazas for motorists who still have no Easytrip RFID sticker after November 2.
Aside from drive-through installation lanes, RFID installation and reloading sites in various locations will remain open. At NLEX-SCTEX, there are drive-through reloading lanes in Balintawak, Mindanao, Bocaue, Angeles, and Tipo. RFID assist squads will also be positioned at the toll plaza to help motorists. At CALAX, tents will be installed along lanes to augment the number of booths.
The tollway company also reminds the public to avail of their Easytrip RFID stickers at authorized customer service stations, locations of which can be found on the NLEX-SCTEX, CAVITEX-C5 Link and CALAX social media pages.
On the other hand, toll operator San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has extended the free installation of its Autosweep RFID stickers until November 30, noting many motorists have yet to secure them.
SMC toll units operate the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Skyway System, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Expressway, and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).
