DOTr: Amid COVID-19 Pandemic, Cashless Toll Payment System Cannot Be Deferred

 

Seemingly in response to Rep. Wes Gatchalian's call to suspend the implementation of the cashless toll payment system until such time that the RFID systems of the two tollway operators are compatible with one another, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has said it "is duty-bound to protect the health and safety of public transport passengers and stakeholders."

In a lengthy statement released by DOTr Assistant Secretary Goddess Hope Libiran, she said that the implementation of the contactless toll payment scheme has been a long overdue measure, in line with the government's inter-agency campaign to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The primary purpose of Department Order No. (DO) 2020-012 requiring cashless or contacless transactions for all vehicles traveling on toll expressways is to prevent COVID-19 transmission, which is a matter of extreme importance. Interoperability will merely provide added convenience to motorists who no longer need to install two RFID tags. Thus, implementation of the cashless program should not wait for the interoperability of the toll systems.

Any delay in its implementation amid the COVID-19 pandemic will only make motorists, as well as the personnel manning the toll plazas, vulnerable to unwanted and unnecessary physical contact, and hence, exposure to the deadly coronavirus.

With the issue of interoperability aside, the extension of the deadline for the implementation of cashless toll collections on toll roads to December 1 will provide motorists using the expressways ample time to have their vehicles equipped with the needed RFID stickers from the toll operators.

To recall, the original start of the scheme's implementation should have been on November 2, 2020.

Further, both RFID tags are free of charge and only the load will be paid by motorists. Hence, there is no real or added financial burden for motorists. Having both RFIDs is also not confusing since the physical appearance of the tags are contrastingly different.

Also, there is no potential burden or loss for motorists who have existing tags, assuming that interoperability is later implemented. The load or value within the existing tags may be transferred to the new RFIDs or may be allowed to be used during interoperability until the loads are consumed.

As for the issue of limited RFID installation sites, the solution is not to defer the cashless program, but for toll operators to increase the number of installation booths and manpower along strategic places.

But, more than the urgent need to impose a contactless and cashless toll collection because of the COVID-19 threat, please note that the shift to a cashless toll collection is actually part of a bigger DOTr project--the Toll Interoperability Project, which the DOTr has been pushing since 2017.

The Toll Interoperability Project has three phases, of which the implementation of 100-percent cashless and contactless toll payments form phase one.

The project's second phase involves the use of 2 RFID wallets, which will make a single RFID sticker readable by sensors at different toll roads. Each wallet will contain the 'load' for payments at specific toll plazas.

Phase 3 of the project will involve the use of just one RFID sticker for all toll expressways, and maintain only one wallet for toll payments.

Currently, the DOTr, through the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), continues to engage with and coordinate with private toll operators to thresh out issues, undertake the necessary operational measures, and present solutions, in order to fully realize the interoperability project.

Starting the cashless program now and the interoperability soon thereafter, will make everyone ready, if and when House Bill 6119 becomes a law. At that time, glitches and issues would have already been identified to allow for a smoother transition.

Amid a raging pandemic, public health and safety cannot take the back seat in favor of convenience.