MANILA, Philippines - The Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) today announced the introduction of a new payment option for motorists at both the NLEX and the CAVITEX to promote greater travel convenience at a very affordable price.
Called MPTC “EasyDrive,†it involves a new technology in the form of a paper-thin battery-less sticker.
MPTC president Ramon Fernandez said “EasyDrive†is an innovative product that will eliminate queuing at the toll plazas as vehicles can go through the lanes without stopping for payment.
MPTC’s “EasyDrive†will utilize a radio frequency identification (RFID) sticker tag which provides a high degree of security and product authentication. Each “EasyDrive†sticker tag will be equipped with a unique tag identification number to prevent duplication.
Similar RFID sticker tags are now being used in tollways in the USA, Canada, Taiwan and in some parts in Europe.
“It is part of the continuing process of research and development conducted by MPTC to ensure that expressway customers consistently get the most value from up to date products and services. It will cost only a fraction of available tags in the market and will not require any replacement with proper care and installation,†Fernandez added.
MPTC’s “EasyDrive†will be available in CAVITEX starting May and at the NLEX in June.
Initially, there will be separate stickers for the two expressways. “The plan is to eventually put in place an interoperability system. This means one sticker can be used for both expressways,†Fernandez added.
NLEX motorists are currently paying toll either with cash or with an easy trip tag.
MPTC is the holding company of Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) and Cavitex Infrastructure Corp. (CIC), concessionaire of NLEX and CAVITEX, respectively.