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RFIDs seen as key to cashless, contactless toll transactions amid pandemic

Toll road operator and developer Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) sees radio frequency identification stickers (RFIDs) as the key to cashless transactions amid the coronavirus pandemic.

According to Jun Veneracion’s Tuesday report on “24 Oras,” RFIDs will help not only reduce contact between people but also cut down waiting time at toll gates.

“Maiibsan niya ‘yung pila. Ang target talaga natin mabasa siya kaagad malayo pa lang siya doon sa barrier,” MPTC chief communication officer Romulo Quimbo Jr. said.

Operators are also aiming for improved interoperability to allow motorists to use one RFID sticker for all toll gates.

MPTC said it hopes in the next two to three years to eliminate toll booths and barriers and implement an open road tolling system.

“Ito ay wala nang harang, wala ka nang dadaanang toll barrier. Ang tawag natin diyan, free flow. May mga reader na lang sa taas, binabasa na lang ‘yung RFID mo. So ito ‘yung future,” Quimbo explained.

While there is no guarantee yet when open road tolling will be implemented, motorists have already expressed mixed reactions.

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Some drivers said they doubt that the electronic system accurately deducts the right amount of money from their accounts.

“Sabi ko ‘wag na lang akong mag-RFID, kaya ko naman magtiyaga e,” one motorist said.

Other drivers are in favor of open road tolling.

“Kung magagawa ‘yun, mas lalong maganda, mabilis ang biyahe natin,” one driver said.

“Mas mabilis na [ang] biyahe para walang hassle,” another added.

Meanwhile, toll booth tellers were told that they need not fear job loss since there are other positions that they can be transferred to. -Julia Mari Ornedo/MDM, GMA News