NLEX-SCTEX toll plazas gear up for 100% RFID transactions on Nov 2

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NLEX toll plaza | Photo from NLEX Corp.
An NLEX toll plaza with RFID signages | Photo from NLEX Corp.

Toll road operator NLEX Corp. is making several improvements at its toll plazas to ensure the smooth implementation of 100% RFID transactions on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) starting November 2.

These physical and system improvements include installing 303 new canopy signages and 66 units of plaza lighting, NLEX Corp. said in a statement.

Of the 303 signages, 100 were installed in the first week of October and the remaining ones will be finished by December. In addition, pavement markings at the toll plazas will be repainted. The lane markings and signages will help direct traffic, while the lights will increase night visibility.

“As we fully transition to 100% cashless transactions, motorists can expect more improvements and we will continue to ensure safety while delivering unmatched public service,” NLEX Corp. president and general manager J. Luigi L. Bautista said in a statement.

“We have ramped up our installation efforts and refinements in our systems and other innovations are being employed to provide efficient expressway travel experience to our customers,” he added.

The all-RFID toll collection system will be implemented on all expressways in the country by November 2, 2020 in line with Department Order 2020-012 issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

READ: DOTr requires contactless, cashless toll payments by Nov 2

Signed on August 13, DO 2020-012 directs the Toll Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and Land Transportation Office to formulate new processes and procedures for the smooth implementation of cashless transactions on toll expressways.

DOTr earlier said the new policy will further protect the public from COVID-19 by promoting adherence to health protocols such as physical distancing through limiting human intervention, as well as removing traffic queues and congestion at toll plazas.

To further provide an updated look to the NLEX-SCTEX toll plazas, the toll canopies will be repainted and the toll lane status indicators showing open or closed status will be replaced with circular green and red cross (X) signals.

“More than the aesthetics, these enhancements are necessary to keep our facilities in good condition and guide motorists as they head on to the expressways,” Bautista added.

Meanwhile, realignment of the RFID sensors is underway on 32 NLEX-SCTEX toll lanes as part of the second phase of a project to enhance read range and detection. This system improvement covers the entry and exit lanes in Valenzuela, Marilao, Bocaue, Tambobong, Balagtas, San Fernando, Tarlac, and Tipo. Last July, the tollway company completed the realignment of sensors in 100 toll lanes.

NLEX is likewise converting this October the Tambobong, Pulilan, Mexico, Karuhatan Interchange, Sta. Rita, San Miguel (Hacienda Luisita), Concepcion, Clark South A&B, and Tipo toll plazas into exclusive RFID lanes. It has already converted the Dau, Porac, Mabiga, Lawang Bato Northbound Entry, and Philippine Arena toll plazas, and expansion lanes in Balintawak and Bocaue toll plazas.

Apart from these improvements, Easytrip RFID installation sites have been increased to accommodate the rising number of motorists availing of the RFID. Around 31 sites have opened so motorists can get their free RFID stickers more easily and conveniently.

To apply for an Easytrip RFID, motorists may visit the installation sites along NLEX-SCTEX, fill out the subscription form then pay the initial load of P500 for Class 1 vehicles, and P1,000 for Class 2 and 3 vehicles. Motorists are also encouraged to fill out the subscription form online through www.easytrip.ph.

Once installed, NLEX and SCTEX RFID users will be able to traverse other Metro Pacific Tollways-owned expressways like the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) and Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX).

Reloading the RFID can be done onsite and online. Motorists may reload via the Easytrip mobile application, which is available for both Android and iOS phones, and through online reloading partners such as PayMaya, Eon, GCash, Bancnet, Mastercard, Visa, UCPB, BPI, Metrobank, BDO, Coins.ph, and Smart Money.

Reloading can also be done at reloading sites, select gas stations, and bills payment centers at the malls.