Considering the lapses in the radio-frequency identification (RFID) system, Senator Win Gatchalian filed a resolution for the Senate to look into the minimum performance standards compliance of toll operators as required in their concession agreements. The investigation will tackle the mandate of the Toll Regulatory Board, the agency overseeing the operations of toll roads nationwide.
Under Senate Resolution Number 587, Gatchalian aims to delve into the mandate of the TRB especially its power to regulate and interfere in toll roads operations by virtue of Presidential Decree 1112 that created the agency.
“Itong mga hindi gumaganang RFID sensors isama na ang dagsa ng mga sasakyan na nagpapakabit ng RFID stickers ang lalong nagpalala sa malala nang dagsaan ng mga sasakyan sa mga tollways (The RFID sensors in operation coupled with the influx of vehicles lining up for RFID stickers make the heavy traffic in tollways even worse,” Sen. Win Gatchalian cited.
The Vice Chairman of the Senate Economic Affairs Committee on Toll Holiday also relayed the complaints of motorists on defective RFID sensors which have been causing congestion in expressways.
“Umamin na ang mismong pamunuan ng NLEX ng kapalpakan sa sistema. Hindi ba’t maliwanag na hindi sila naging handa bago ipatupad ang unang araw ng cashless transaction? Maliwanag na mayroong kapabayaan sa kanilang hanay kaya lumala ang problema ng trapiko sa mga tollways (the NLEX management itself admitted the system failures. Isn’t it clear that they have not been ready before the implementation of the first day of cashless transaction? It is clear that there has been neglect from within their ranks that made the traffic problems worse in tollways,” Sen. Gatchalian raised.
The NLEX Corporation itself acknowledged the technical glitches in its system including the RFID sensors that are not working. The NLEX management assured that they will find solutions for the cashless transaction in the coming days. The cashless transaction or contactless transaction in tollways are all part of the efforts to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID 19). – PTV News
