Motorists Urged to Support Contactless Toll Dry Run by Applying for RFID Stickers
MANILA, Philippines — The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) is encouraging motorists to participate in the upcoming contactless toll dry run by applying for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) stickers ahead of its implementation. According to TRB Spokesperson Julius Corpuz, switching to RFIDs from cash payments will result in faster and more convenient entry and exit at toll plazas.
During the Laging Handa Public Briefing, Corpuz stated, “We strongly encourage our motorists, if they can, to support our efforts to switch to RFIDs from cash payments because it will enable a faster and more convenient entry and exit at our toll plazas using the RFID sticker mode and electronic toll collection, which we call contactless or cashless.”
The two-month dry run is scheduled to begin on September 1, 2023, and aims to test the reimplementation of the contactless and cashless program. The program is expected to expedite toll booth collections and further reduce traffic congestion on expressways.
The adoption of contactless and cashless toll collections was initially planned for 2020 but was postponed due to faulty systems. Corpuz assured motorists that they will not be forced to apply for RFIDs but encouraged them to do so as the country transitions to a fully contactless toll collection system.
“This will be the future of toll collection systems, what we call ‘digital highways.’ That is where we are going. This is the direction being taken worldwide, through digital technology,” Corpuz added.
When asked about addressing the issue of defective RFIDs, Corpuz explained that there could be various reasons why stickers are unreadable. He stated, “Some RFIDs are unreadable due to damage, so we encourage motorists to have their RFID stickers checked for replacement. We have an ongoing replacement program being conducted by toll operators. Other issues could arise from problems with readers and other factors.”
Corpuz also clarified that the replacement of defective RFID stickers will be free, provided that the damage is not intentionally caused by the motorist.
The TRB’s initiative to implement contactless toll collections is part of the government’s efforts to modernize and improve the efficiency of transportation systems in the country.
