MPTC adds more RFID lanes

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) are adding more Easytrip radio frequency identification (RFID) lanes on the three of its expressways as part of ongoing efforts to do away with cash transactions.

The expressways are the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), Cavitex C5 Link (C5 Link) and the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX).

Roberto Bontia, president and general manager of Metro Pacific Tollways South Management Corp., said more installation and reloading sites would also be put up along the three expressways.

Bontia said eliminating cash transactions would make passage through the tollroads three times faster.

“We fully support the Department of Transportation’s directive to switch to a cashless transaction system. This is one of our contributions in the fight against Covid-19. We are on track for Nov. 2 following the DOTr’s order. Once our tollroads are fully electronic, there will be no more hand-to-hand exchange of cash between motorists and tollbooth cashiers, thus preventing cross-contamination,” he said.

NLEX Corp. is also shifting from cash to full RFID-enabled toll collection lanes before the year ends and ramping up its information drive by offering more ways to make it convenient for motorists to avail the RFID.

The RFID is a small, paper-thin, and battery-less sticker that is directly mounted onto the vehicle’s windshield or headlight.

“The RFID eliminates queuing at toll plazas and would help motorists travel with ease. Rest assured that you can count on us to help provide safe, seamless, and efficient expressway services to the public,” NLEX president and general manager Luigi Bautista said.

Bautista said the battery-powered Easytrip tags in use since 2005 at the NLEX-SCTEX will be phased out by Sept. 30 as part of the transition to RFID.

The RFID sticker with a microchip will replace the Easytrip tag, which will no longer be usable after the phase out.

However, NLEX said current Easytrip tag users are assured that any remaining account balance would be carried over once they switch to the new RFID system.