The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has halted the planned implementation of cashless toll payments in major expressways across Luzon. This includes the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), where the policy was set to take effect on March 15.
The announcement was made by newly appointed DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon during a Palace press briefing, where he confirmed that he had directed the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) to postpone the rollout.
Why Was the Cashless Payment System Suspended?
The Cashless or Contactless Transactions Program was initially designed to streamline toll collection by requiring all vehicles to use Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) systems with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) stickers.
However, Dizon expressed concerns over accessibility and efficiency, citing several issues:
- Previous failures in implementing the system
- Lack of awareness among motorists
- Technical malfunctions such as unreadable RFIDs and faulty barriers
- Potential burden on low-income drivers, labeling the policy as “anti-poor”
“I want to first work with the two toll operators, MPTC (Metro Pacific Tollways Corp.) and San Miguel Infrastructure, to review the system,” Dizon stated.
Concerns Over RFID and System Flaws
Dizon underscored the need for better regulation while ensuring policies do not negatively impact motorists.
He questioned whether:
- All barriers are working properly
- RFID scanners are consistently reliable
- The system is user-friendly and accessible to all drivers
“The need to regulate should not make people’s lives harder,” Dizon emphasized. “People’s lives should improve, not become more difficult.”
Until technical issues are addressed and implementation gaps are resolved, the “No RFID, No Entry” policy will remain suspended.
What’s Next for the Cashless Toll System?
While the DOTr is not entirely dismissing cashless toll payments, it aims to ensure a seamless transition before enforcing the policy. Dizon hinted that a future rollout is possible, but only when the system is perfected.
For now, motorists can continue using cash payments while the TRB and toll operators reassess the implementation plan.
This delay is expected to ease the burden on drivers, particularly those who have struggled with RFID registration and malfunctions in previous rollouts.
As discussions continue, the DOTr’s priority remains ensuring a fair, efficient, and accessible toll collection system that benefits all road users.