Tugade: Transition to 100% cashless payment in tollways ‘indefinitely extended’

The Department of Transportation's (DOTr) recent intervention in the implementation of radio frequency identification (RFID) system has, in effect, indefinitely extended the shift to 100% cashless payment in tollways, its chief Arthur Tugade said Thursday.

During the Senate committee on public services hearing, Senator Grace Poe suggested that the DOTr issue another department order clarifying the adjustments that will be taken in the interim while the RFID system is being ironed out.

Tugade said the agency will comply.

But Senator Sherwin Gatchalian wanted to make the current policy clearer for motorists.

"On the ground kasi, to be honest 'di naman nila binabasa 'yung department order. I don't think the drivers read the department order. If they do, I don't think they can fully appreciate it because it's very technical. So, the simple message to them is may extension indefinitely, tama po ba Secretary?"

The DOTr chief answered in the affirmative.

"Ganoon po ang effect ng ginawa ko na tuloy ang cash, tuloy ang cash booth. 'Yun ang effect ng ginawa ko, walang penalty, walang fine. 'Yun ang effect ng ginawa ko na sige-sige lang 'yung RFID," Tugade said.

The DOTr previously said there will be no apprehensions for vehicles without the RFID tags until January 11, 2021.

The Senate recently adopted a resolution strongly urging the DOTr to suspend the 100% cashless payment in tollways after RFID glitches inconvenienced several motorists.

Department Order No. 2020-12 was signed on August 13, 2020 and took full effect last December 1. Toll operators had been required to implement a contactless payment scheme in a bid to prevent the spread of COVID-19. — BM, GMA News