MPTC, SMC Tollways working to make their RFID stickers compatible

Cavitex2018 2

December 01, 2020

 

By: Gabriel Pabico Lalu, As seen on https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1341786/toll-managements-on-the-process-of-making-rfid-stickers-compatible-with-different-tollways?fbclid=IwAR2Y_kJLZGuGhajf4bbsOiHGF6h9RKDo5i0MhTOxX8JjRrW_DgQ6VNc4z9U#ixzz6a53dbC9a, September 30, 2020.

 

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. and San Miguel Corp. Tollways have started testing ways to make their radio frequency identification (RFID) stickers compatible with each other’s tollway system, according to Romulo Quimbo, chief communications officer of MPTC.

 

MPTC manages the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), Cavite Expressway (Cavitex), Harbour Link, and Cala Expressway.

 

As of now, MPTC’s RFID is not compatible with the roads run by the SMC Tollways — the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx), Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx), and STAR Tollway.

 

This means motorists who want to use roads run by both MPTC and SMC Tollways need to have two RFIDs — Easytrip for MPTC and Autosweep for SMC.

 

According to Quimbo, the companies have agreed to achieve the interoperability of their RFIDs.

 

“Of course, because we belong to different firms, there are differences in procedures, software, and hardware,” he said in Filipino in a phone interview with INQUIRER.net. “In 2017, we agreed that we will do inoperability in phases.

 

“Actually, interoperability only means compatibility,” he added “So our being compatible is a long-term objective. I think testing has just started. It’s not yet complete. That testing period won’t happen overnight.”

 

Questions on the need to buy RFIDs came up after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) ordered tollways to adopt a cashless payment system to minimize human contact that could spread the coronavirus.

 

According to the DOTr order, tollways must comply by Nov. 2.

 

This order made a lot of motorists worry, however, that they might not be able to use tollways of either company once the order is implemented.

 

In response, toll firms set up booths where motorists can avail of the RFID stickers.

 

Quimbo said that they would help motorists without an RFID sticker to apply for one.

 

Compatibility of RFIDs is important to frequent travelers — like cargo movers, public transport operators, and businesspeople using tollways managed by both MPTC and SMC Tollways.

 

For example, motorists traveling up north to the Ilocos Region and the Cordillera might have a problem with their RFIDs: NLEx and SCTEx are run by MPTC while TPLEx is run by SMC Tollways.

 

The same scenario occurs down south: SLEx and Naia Expressway are run by SMC Tollways, but several adjacent expressways like Cavitex and CALA Expressways are under the jurisdiction of MPTC.

 

What would likely happen, Quimbo said, is that motorists can obtain just one RFID sticker — either Easytrip or Autosweep — and use the account for that one sticker for loading credits from either company.

 

“Our plan is one sticker, two accounts. One RFID sticker, but it contains an Easytrip and an Autosweep account. So that’s the next step to remove confusion among motorists,” Quimbo said.

 

The priority is testing to make SCTEx and TPLEx interoperable because they are connected, according to Quimbo.

Recent Posts

replacement

Easytrip Introduces New and Improved RFID Stickers

Easytrip has a new RFID sticker with higher readability than its predecessors. Replacement is free, just go to the nearest Easytrip RFID station. ... Continue Reading

SS

MPT Mobility’s DriveHub app levels up driving experience at CCLEX

MPT Mobility, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation’s (MPTC) digital innovations arm, recently announced the full availability of its all-in-one travel a ... Continue Reading

IMG 0135 2048x1365

Metro Pacific Tollways rolls out ‘Safe Trip Mo Sagot Ko’ anew

Holy Week 2022 will soon be upon us, and many religious pilgrims and vacation travelers will be leaving Metro Manila to head to their destinations usi ... Continue Reading

BW Cover Photo

MPTC’s Mobility unit serves highly mobile customers inside, outside its tollways

A new company is now actively serving the huge wants and needs of a widening base of customers inside and outside its network of tollways in Luzon and ... Continue Reading

NLEX patrol crews manage traffic at Balintawak during Undas v2

Widespread RFID use and improved traffic operations overcome ‘Undas’ road trip surge at MPTC expressways

The high growth of radio frequency identification (RFID) use combined with efficient traffic management operations helped overcome the usual surge of ... Continue Reading

Untitled 1

Easytrip now with over 50,000 Reloading Stations in Luzon

Easytrip RFID, the radio frequency identification (RFID) that allows the cashless transaction in the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) network ... Continue Reading

Online

No RFID panic buying: Easytrip RFID sticker via online appointment to be launched

Expressway motorists may now skip the long lines and instead opt to book their RFID sticker installation appointment online. Easytrip is launching the ... Continue Reading

Article01

TRB approves add-on tolls for NLEX effective November 25

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. and San Miguel Corp. Tollways have started testing ways to make their radio frequency identificatio ... Continue Reading

Article03 v2

FAQ: What is an RFID and how does it work on tollways?

MANILA, Philippines — With the impending shift of tollway systems from cash-based payments at toll plazas to an independent cashless system, many peop ... Continue Reading

MPTC DRIVE HUB In App copy 6

© Copyright 2023 Easytrip Services Corporation . All Rights Reserved.

PRIVACY POLICY

CONNECT WITH US: