By Brian Campued
“Reduce unnecessary stress. Reduce unnecessary delays.”
As part of the government’s efforts to modernize toll collection, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday led the rollout of the “One RFID, All Tollways” system to ensure faster and hassle-free passage on any toll road in Luzon.
During the launch held along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) in Calamba City, Laguna, the President noted that having multiple RFIDs inconvenienced motorists who need to use different expressways.
“Nakikinig tayo sa hinaing ng ating mga kababayan. Kaya naman pinag-aralan natin ang problema, at nakahanap tayo ng magandang solusyon,” Marcos said.
“Simula ngayon, iisang RFID sticker na lang ang kailangan para sa mga toll expressways natin sa buong Luzon,” he added.
The One RFID system allows tollway users to use a single RFID account—either Autosweep or Easytrip—across the Skyway, SLEX, STAR Tollway, Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway (TPLEX), Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway (NAIAx), Muntinlupa–Cavite Expressway (MCX), North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), NLEX Connector, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (CAVITEX), and C5 Southlink.
“Ang repormang ito sa RFID system ay bahagi ng mas malawak nating layunin na gawing mas moderno, konektado, at nakatuon sa pangangailangan ng bawat Pilipino ang ating imprastraktura,” the President said.
The registration for the One RFID, All Tollways system is also free and voluntary—giving motorists the option to stick to the current two-card system.
Meanwhile, Marcos Jr. said the group/fleet account for the One RFID system will be launched next year.
He likewise highlighted the “continued trust, commitment, and flexibility” among government agencies and partners—Department of Transportation (DOTr), Toll Regulatory Board, San Miguel Corporation, and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation—that led to a “unified system that responds to the real needs of our motorists.”
According to acting DOTr Sec. Giovanni Lopez, the One RFID will be placed on the windshield or inside the vehicle for easier access on tollways. Those who have two RFID stickers may now register online to remove one account.
“May stress test na po ito. Ibig sabihin gumagana. Kung may small instance na problema, maaaring baka yung RFID natin defective o check n’yo baka meron kayo negative balance,” Lopez said.
-jpv
