TRB extends transition period to cashless toll system

MANILA, Philippines — The transition period for all tollways to go 100 percent cashless, the last day of which was supposed to be yesterday, has been extended indefinitely by the Toll Regulatory Board.

TRB spokesman Julius Corpuz said yesterday that the transition period prior to 100 percent cashless transaction would continue to be in effect “until further notice.”

“This means cash payments will still be accepted, motorists without RFID tags will not be apprehended and RFID subscription and installation continues in many locations identified by the toll road operators,” he said.

Corpuz said the decision to extend the transition period is primarily to give due consideration to motorists yet unable to secure their radio frequency identification (RFID) tags.

He said the move is also aimed to give the toll operators more time to address some remaining system flaws or glitches, as well as improve their systems to maximize the benefits for the motorists of the RFID system.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) had originally given toll operators a deadline on Nov. 2 last year to implement the 100 percent cashless scheme on their expressways.

This was moved to Dec. 1 to give motorists ample time to have RFID stickers installed.

To ensure efficient implementation, the DOTr and TRB had set a transition period until Jan. 11, 2021, with no fines and penalties to be imposed on motorists without RFID. Installation was also ordered to continue even after the transition period for non-frequent tollway users.

Under the previous plan, the DOTr said after Jan. 11, not all lanes in the toll gate would be converted into a stickering lane.

The agency said only one or two stickering lanes, or one installation tent before entry at the toll gate would be assigned wherein RFID can be installed on vehicles.

In addition, the DOTr said toll operators should put up big signages on stickering lanes in order for motorists without RFID to know where they should line up.

“They can be issued a ticket if they will line up in the RFID only lane, especially if they will cause delays to the vehicles behind them,” the DOTr previously said.