San Miguel Corp. (SMC) yesterday said it has reached its target to operate 156 radio frequency identification (RFID) installation stations by the end of 2020.
SMC, which operates the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Skyway, NAIA Expressway (NAIX), and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), said it converted all but one of its 66 dedicated “onsite” or toll plaza stations into 24/7 stickering stations.
It also now operates nine RFID centers, 18 gas station installation sites, 11 local government and Land Transportation Office sites, and 44 mall sites. It also has stickering sites in three major transportation terminal hubs, two home builders depots and three showrooms. Eleven out of 156 installation sites are by appointment to manage traffic congestion in the areas.
SMC said the opening of more “off-site” stickering stations, including those in malls and government offices, was a key part of the company’s strategy to reach more non-regular users of its toll roads, concentrated mostly in the south.
It will be recalled that a surge in non-regular expressway users trying to beat the government’s deadline, along with a shortage of RFID stickers contributed to long lines experienced in October and November last year.
While the company is expecting an uptick in RFID installation towards the end of January 11, the company is confident there will no longer be long lines similar to the ones experienced previously, as the government’s original deadline, and extended deadline, approached.
