MPTC aims for 1.2-M RFID users for 100% cashless toll transactions by Nov. 2

MANILA: Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) is eyeing to reach 1.1  to 1.2 million radio frequency identification (RFID) subscribers as it will implement 100% cashless transactions on its tollways by November 2.

This is to comply with Order No. 2020-10 of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) that requires all tollway concessionaires and operators to put electronic tags as well as implementing cashless systems, like, but not limited to, automated fare collection system (ACFS), RFID, etc. for all motor vehicles and motorists that utilize toll expressways and transact only through cashless toll payments not later than November 2.

MPTC is the current operator of the Cavite Laguna Expressway (CALAX), Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).

In a virtual conference held last September 11, RFID100 Task Force head of MPTC Roberto Bontia reported that about 75% of the MPTC toll expressways are already RFID-enabled.

Bontia said, “Since we started the program of reinforced RFID campaign... we are (now) at more than 800,000 subscribers.”

To reach the goal, Bontia also added that they are targeting an additional 500,000 new subscribers. He noted, “With the weekly targets leading to November, we will able to hit almost 100% by (then).”

To emphasize more on the current efforts to make the tollways cashless, Bontia also explained that the Bocaue toll plazas and Balintawak expansion lanes in NLEX, Philippine Arena toll plaza, and Lawang Bato Northbound Entry have also been converted into special RFID lanes.

CALAX was able to open 100% RFID interchanges in Laguna Technopark as well as in Laguna Boulevard.

In addition, Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) Executive Director Abraham Sales explained that vehicles that don't have RFID stickers starting November 2 will not be allowed to enter toll expressways.

He added that toll operators need to install booths before expressway entrances to monitor and give RFID stickers to all vehicles traversing the expressways.

The TRB executive director also noted that vehicles without RFID stickers but will still attempt to enter expressways may be subjected to penalties.

To facilitate the convenience of shifting into RFID transactions in MPTC expressways, he explained that mobile RFID installation teams give 300 to 400 RFIDs daily, which are free of charge on top of the P200 to P500 initial load.

Sales said that RFID stickers can also be availed at Shopee, an online shopping platform, along with self-installation instructions. Reloading can also be done at 7/11, SM stores, and other partner outlets.

Another aspect of the shift to RFID is the phasing out of the battery-powered Easytrip tags, which were utilized since 2005 at the NLEx-SCTEX by September 30, 2020.

Nevertheless, current Easytrip tag users have been ensured that any remaining account balance shall be carried over once they successfully shift to the new RFID system.

Meanwhile, NLEX Corp. General Manager and President J. Luigi Bautista said that through the 100% shift to cashless toll transactions, there are a few employees who will be affected.

Nevertheless, he ensured that no one will be affected this year as they continuously plan and streamline their manpower deployment.

The NLEX chief added that shifting to cashless transactions and reducing physical contact in the toll roads of the company have been prioritized since public health has been given considerable focus since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bautista said, “Although we have launched the RFID as a payment option in our expressways for quite some time already, it has become more relevant with this global health crisis.”

 Photos from NLEx and MPTC

Also read: TRB: Starting Nov. 2, no RFID, no entry to any expressway