NLEX Corp. is set to complete the P162-million toll system upgrade for Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) this year.
The company said the project, which started in 2020, includes the upgrading of the radio frequency identification (RFID) system and network switches; the installation of RFID early detection feature, automatic license plate recognition and contactless card readers; and the replacement of toll system equipment such as the toll fare indicator, lane status indicator, traffic control gate (TCG), automatic vehicle classification (AVC) device and loop detector.
“These comprehensive and integrated enhancements are part of our goal to serve our motorists more efficiently. We always ensure that we continually upgrade our system and equipment to deliver convenient and reliable service to our motorists,” J. Luigi Bautista, NLEX president and general manager, said in a statement.
This year, all toll lanes in SCTEX will be furnished with new toll system equipment once the replacement of 46 units of old equipment for 33 toll lanes is completed.
To facilitate faster and more accurate transactions, 10 loop detectors and eight TCGs in Clark South A, Tipo and SFEX as well as eight AVC devices in Clark North A (Dolores), San Miguel, Dinalupihan, Floridablanca and Tipo will be upgraded.
Ten toll indicators in SFEX, Tipo, Clark South A and Tarlac will also be replaced for better viewing of tollway fees, while 10 lane status indicators in Clark South B, Tarlac and SFEX will be changed for greater visibility especially for those driving at night.
Last year, the company replaced 76 units of the said lane equipment covering 39 lanes of the entire expressway system and finished the network switch upgrade in all lanes, which has since resulted in quicker processing of transactions due to the improved network latency and increased bandwidth.
Aside from the technology enhancements, the tollway company said it is also undertaking infrastructure improvements along SCTEX such as the annual pavement repair program, the ongoing repair and strengthening of Pasig Potrero Bridge and the road raising project at Dinalupihan for motorists’ safety. – Myla Iglesias
