Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) has converted around 75 percent of toll lanes in segments of its expressways for Easytrip Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to date.
And the company is ready to comply with the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr)'s order for 100 per cent cashless transactions by November 2, 2020.
MPT South Corporation President and General Manager Roberto V. Bontia made the assurance in yesterday's ( Sept. 11) “Road to RFID 100%” virtual media briefing.
Recently, the Philippine Arena toll plaza, Lawang Bato Northbound Entry, and expansion lanes in Balintawak and Bocaue toll plazas in NLEX have been converted into exclusive RFID lanes.
CALAX also opened 100% RFID interchanges in Laguna Boulevard and Laguna Technopark in Biñan City, Laguna.
Also part of the transition to RFID is the phaseout of the battery-powered Easytrip tags in use since 2005 at the NLEX-SCTEX by September 30, 2020.
However, the company assured that the remaining account balance of current Easytrip tag users will be carried over once they switch to the new RFID system.
All MPTC-allied expressways have also introduced a reduced initial load of the Stick-It-Yourself RFID stickers from P500 to P200. The stickers are free.
Under specialized arrangements, they interfaced with homeowners’ associations and local government units for Easytrip RFID installation teams to go to their locations for a one- or two-day stickering event.
In addition, the tollway firm is activating “RFID Assist Squads” to assist motorists who need immediate help with their stickers for initial loading and reloading.
"We have seven weeks left to implement cashless and contactless transactions at every toll plaza and MPTC expressways are up to the challenge,” Bontia noted.
MPTC operates the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). In the works is the NLEX Connector that will extend the NLEX southward from Caloocan to Sta. Mesa, Manila.
In the South of Manila, MPTC operates the Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) and the Cavite Laguna Expressway (CALAX), both of which are undertaking expansion projects.