The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) is set to implement full cashless payment in major expressways in the country by March this year in line with the tollways interoperability program, which enables motorists to use a single radio frequency identification (RFID) account in all expressways operated by San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC).
Last September, the tollways concessionaires started the dry run for the contactless toll collection system, which is still ongoing and is targeted to be fully implemented in all toll plazas under the jurisdiction of TRB this March, according to Arvin Carullo, TRB executive director.
TRB will also begin the test run for the tollways interoperability on January 10, enabling motorists to have a single RFID account that can be used in all major expressways.
Carullo said the tentative implementation of the interoperability is July.
By then, motorists are not required to top up two RFID accounts and have the option to choose which of the two RFID stickers to retain.
Users of MPTC’s Easytrip at the North Luzon, Subic-Clark-Tarlac, Manila-Cavite, C5 Link and Cavite-Laguna expressways will have to register their RFID to AutoSweep.
This will enable the Easytrip to be used in SMC’s tollways — Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway, Skyway System, NAIA Expressway, South Luzon Expressway, Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway and Southern Tagalog Arterial Road.
Autosweep RFID users could also registered to the Easytrip to make their acounts readable in MPTC’s tollways.
Through the TRB, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is intensifying its campaign for the implementation of toll interoperability for fast, efficient and seamless travel.
The toll collection interoperability project was launched in 2017 with the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the DOTr, Department of Public Works and Highways, Land Transportation Office, TRB, SMC, Metro Pacific Group and the Ayala Group.
Under the agreement, the toll road companies are required to make adjustments in their systems to enable interoperability and integrated toll collection.
Phase 1 which required the use of RFID technology, Autosweep tags and Easytrip system in expressways has been completed. The interoperability project is the second phase.
The third phase is to have barrierless toll plaza similar to other countries, Carullo said.
“We can achieve that modern system in the country,” he added.
