STAR tollway now RFID compatible

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Corp. said yesterday that Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) is now radio frequency identification (RFID) compatible, completing the list of its tollways with Autosweep RFID access.

SMC said the development would allow motorists to enjoy seamless travel south of Metro Manila.

STAR Tollway Corp. (STC), the operator of the tollway, said Autosweep RFID payment lanes, alongside regular cash lanes, are operational at the toll plazas in the 42-kilometer toll road that stretches from Santo Tomas, Batangas to Batangas City.

The company said the integration of STAR into the Autosweep RFID system along with the motorists’ increasing use of Autosweep RFID as a mode for payment are expected to reduce waiting and transaction times at the toll plazas, thus leading to faster travel during regular days as well as holidays when vehicle volumes are expected to increase.

STC said an average 58,000 vehicles traverse the STAR at present, of which 28 percent are currently using Autosweep RFID as payment.

“We encourage motorists to utilize the Autosweep RFID access as mode to pay their toll fees. This is one of the plans that we are implementing in order to lessen hassle and ensure faster travel. We are more optimistic that with the inclusion of the STAR tollway into San Miguel Infrastructure’s Autosweep RFID system, we will be able to handle vehicle volumes at a faster rate,” STC said.

The addition of STAR completes the list of San Miguel Infrastructure tollways with Autosweep RFID access, joining South Luzon Expressway, Skyway and the NAIA Expressway.

The RFID is a system that is more convenient and faster as compared to cash payment.

STC said Autosweep RFID enrollment and reloading stations are located at Skyway Bicutan, SLEX Silangan, Filinvest Toll Plaza Southbound, Southwoods Toll Plaza Northbound, Carmona Toll Plaza Northbound, Sta. Rosa Toll Plaza Southbound, Ayala Greenfield Toll Plaza Southbound, Southwoods Toll Plaza Southbound, and Sta. Rosa Toll Plaza Northbound.