Transport groups divided over RFID tag scheme

MANILA, Philippines - Transport groups are divided over the implementation of the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tagging system for public utility vehicles (PUVs).

The RFID tagging scheme, also known as e-tagging, is a possible replacement for the paint tagging scheme used by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to monitor the movement of PUVs along EDSA and other major roads in the metropolis.

Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO) president Efren de Luna said many transport groups approve of the system because this would reduce the proliferation of unregistered and out of line vehicles, curb the corrupt practices of some traffic enforcers, minimize car theft, and lessen paperwork for operators.

“That is okay with us... 95 percent of transport groups agree to this,” De Luna said.

He said operators also do not mind shouldering the cost of the electronic tag, so long as the government fulfills its obligation to improve the transport system.

Another transport group, the Pinagkaisahang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator (PISTON), opposes the implementation of the tagging scheme, saying this will not help ease traffic congestion and would be a source of corruption.

Piston president George San Mateo said the RFID project is a “money-making” scheme. “It cannot be avoided that transport operators and the people will doubt the motives of those who push for the project so they can get commissions from the suppliers,” he said.  

The MMDA tested RFID tags on public buses last week to determine the viability of RFID technology as an alternative to the paint tags used by the MMDA to monitor the movements of PUVs.