The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has officially announced new rules requiring all expressways to adopt cashless or contactless transactions.
This move, approved under the revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) on November 25, 2024, aims to streamline toll collection, improve traffic flow, and enhance convenience for motorists.
Expressway operators are now tasked with converting existing cash-based toll booths into systems that accommodate electronic toll collection (ETC) methods, such as RFID stickers.
To ease the transition, operators are required to conduct robust information and education campaigns using traditional and social media platforms.
Motorists will be informed about the benefits of cashless toll payments, including faster transactions and reduced waiting times at toll plazas.
Clear signage at strategic points on expressways will notify drivers of the re-implementation of contactless toll transactions.
Free RFID Stickers and No Expiry on Balances
One of the standout features of the revised policy is that ETC devices, like RFID stickers, will be provided free of charge to motorists.
Drivers will only need to load an initial toll fee equivalent to their expected toll at the time of use, without any requirement for maintaining a minimum balance.
Additionally, the TRB emphasized that toll loads or balances in ETC/RFID accounts will have no expiration date and will be exclusively used for toll payments.
This ensures that motorists retain full value for their loads and do not face unnecessary fees.
Interoperability and Device Optimization
To improve efficiency, the TRB is urging motorists to register their ETC devices or RFID stickers under the interoperability project.
This initiative aims to prevent the need for multiple devices on a single vehicle and avoids issues like duplicate antenna readings.
For vehicles with outdated or inactive RFID stickers, the TRB advises immediate removal to prevent delays at toll gates.
Expressway operators are also required to test and activate all RFID devices during installation, ensuring that they work seamlessly from the moment they are issued.
Compliance and Penalties
All toll users must maintain sufficient balances in their ETC/RFID accounts before exiting toll plazas.
Vehicles with insufficient balances will face processing delays and penalties.
The TRB stressed the importance of adhering to these rules to avoid inconvenience and ensure smooth traffic flow.
A Unified Effort Across Expressways
The average penetration rate of ETC transactions across tollways is currently at 90%, signaling strong adoption among motorists.
San Miguel Corp. (operator of Skyway, SLEX, STAR Tollway, and NAIAx) uses AutoSweep RFID tags, while Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (operator of Cavitex, C5 Link, and CALAX) utilizes EasyTrip RFID tags.
The interoperability project seeks to bridge these systems, creating a seamless experience for all tollway users.
A Smarter Future for Expressway Travel
The TRB’s cashless toll mandate is a step toward modernizing transportation infrastructure.
By eliminating cash transactions, this system minimizes human contact, reduces congestion, and offers a faster, more convenient journey for drivers.
Motorists are encouraged to adapt to this system, ensuring smoother travels on the road ahead.