Metro Pac unit eyes bigger share of e-devices for toll payments

MANILA, Philippines - Tollways Management Corp. (TMC), a unit of infrastructure conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), is looking at increasing the share of the use of electronic devices for the payment of toll fees to at least 40 percent over the next two years.

TMC vice president for toll operations Bobby Bontia said the move would bring the Philippines at par with other countries in terms of the use of electronic devices in the payment of toll fees.

Currently, he said only 21 percent of the total number of vehicles using major expressways use electronic devices to pay toll fees.

Bontia disclosed that the company would be introducing new gadgets for the payment of toll next year. These include radio frequency identification (RFID) devices including stickers.

Bontia said there are about 108,000 users of electronic devices known as Easytrip tags in major expressways.

Incorporated in 2000, TMC is primarily engaged in operations and maintenance of toll roads, facilities, interchanges and all related works. It operates and maintains the 84-kilometer North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), the 8.8 kilometer Subic Freeport Expressway, and the 94-kilometer Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).

With uncompromising commitment in serving the Filipino people, TMC is committed in delivering world class service to motorists and commuters in North Luzon. TMC is under the umbrella of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp.

Meanwhile, Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) president and chief executive officer Rodrigo Franco led the launch of the NLEXcellence Safety Awards, a step towards offering a safe and convenient experience for all motorists at the 90-kilometer North Luzon expressway (NLEX).

Franco said bus and truck companies would be recognized for their exemplary performance in ensuring safety on the road.

“The awards is touted to be a testament of a company’s strengths and capabilities, the quality of its personnel, its products and services. It redounds to the company’s reliability and dependability, generates clients’ trust and confidence, industry respect and prestige which could lead to more business opportunities for the awardees,” Franco added.

Franco said the awards would have the following categories: vehicle quality, drivers’ professionalism and company operational excellence.