100% RFID will soon be implemented in toll expressways to contain the spread of COVID-19 as the Department of Transportation now requires cashless and contactless transactions.
According to the DOTr, besides complementing other health protocols enforced by the government by limiting human intervention, it will also remove the traffic queuing and congestion at toll gates.
Concerned agencies of the DOTr were reportedly ordered to formulate new processes and procedures within 3 months to ensure the smooth implementation of the new policy. Among which are the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). This was under the Department Order 2020-012 signed on 13 August 2020 by DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade.
“We carry with us the burden of ensuring that our transport facilities will not be a transmission vector of the disease, while at the same time, providing an efficient system of public transport. With both tasks at hand, there is a need to strike a balance. Requiring contactless transactions is one of our ways of doing it. And in achieving the balance, naiintindihan natin na hindi laging magiging madali sa umpisa. If there will be initial inconveniences, let us look forward to the long-term benefit of it.” – DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade
Contactless transactions will be implemented in the following:
- South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
- Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (CAVITEX)
- North Luzon Expressway (NLEX)
- South Metro Manila Skyway
- Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) Tollway
- Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX)
- Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX)
- All other road networks, including any extension of the existing expressway facilities mentioned, that may be constructed, established and/or operated as expressway toll facilities.
https://www.facebook.com/DOTrPH/photos/a.395811647224644/1792924094180052/
According to the NLEX Corporation’s Facebook Page, the company supports the DOTr’s order on the use of cashless, contactless transactions in toll expressways.
They are said to be shifting from cash to full RFID-enabled toll collection lanes before the year ends while offering more ways to enable motorists to avail the RFID more easily and conveniently.
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