SMC Infra says inadequate RFID load 'significantly' affects tollway traffic

MANILA: SMC Infrastructure shared that inadequate balance in radio frequency identification (RFID) accounts is one of the main causes of congestion in some of their expressways.

As such, the firm is calling on motorists using the Skyway and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Expressway to ensure their Autosweep RFID accounts are sufficiently funded to avoid such issues. 

In a statement, the company shared that from May 1-7, 31,712 transactions — which reflects around 15 percent of the total dealings at its toll booths during that period — are under either zero or insufficient loads in their accounts.

Per SMC Infrastructure, the figures contributed significantly to congestion.

"We apologize for any inconvenience and are committed to improving traffic conditions. Maintaining sufficient funds in RFID accounts is crucial for smooth operations at toll plazas,” the tollway operator noted.

To boost traffic management, the firm is pushing for stronger enforcement measures to prevent habitual non-compliance from repeat offenders. 

Per SMC Infrastructure, the Toll Regulatory Board’s order is to defer penalties for motorists with insufficient funds or those who have not transitioned to the electronic toll collection system and continue to pay in cash. 

The company claimed that its electronic toll collection has a 97-percent adoption rate.

“While we continue to encourage our users to ensure they have sufficient balance or register their vehicles to Autosweep, many still do not fully utilize the system. Unfortunately, this has a significant impact on other motorists, especially when combined with other factors such as the limited carrying capacity of expressways and higher vehicle volumes during peak hours,” SMC Infrastructure shared.

Further, the company shared that while the RFID system’s read rate is at 99 percent, efficiency is compromised if the stickers become defective due to dirt, wear, and tear.

To ensure the system's optimal functionality, motorists are advised to regularly inspect their RFID stickers and utilize the free replacement service available at Autosweep RFID offices or major toll plazas.

SMC Infrastructure also advised drivers to maintain a safe distance to avoid possible malfunctions.

SMC Infrastructure also exercises raised barriers when queues exceed 500 meters that allows free flow of traffic while continuing to record transactions for subsequent billing.

Meanwhile, the company bared its plans to widen roads and add more toll gates to accommodate increasing traffic volumes and enhance overall traffic management.

It is also conducting a dry run for an automatic license plate recognition system to operate alongside the existing electronic toll collection to streamline toll processing and further reduce congestion.

Photos from SMC Infrastructure, Antonette Meude, Billy Billano

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