Motorists rush to tollways to get RFID stickers on first day of cashless collection

Many motorists rushed to tollways early morning on Tuesday to obtain radio frequency identification (RFID) stickers on the first day of implementation of cashless and contactless payment collection on expressways.

According to James Agustin's report on Unang Balita, many motorists lined up at the NAIA Expressway (NAIAX) early to avoid the expected buildup of vehicles at the toll plaza.

One of the motorists, company driver Archie Ortiz, went to the toll plaza at 3 a.m. to get the Autosweep RFID tags.

“Kailangan sa ano ng gobyerno natin. At saka kapag nagbiyahe ako, hindi naman ako puwede dumaan sa sobrang traffic. Kaya kailangan kong kumuha,” he said.

Taxi driver Rolie Maylan, who also went early morning to obtain the RFID stickers, expected that the line at the toll plaza will be long later in the day.

“Mahaba ang pila kapag ano. Tsaka kapag tanghali ka na baka hindi ka na makakuha ng sticker,” he said.

Motorist Gabby Luis said he needs to have the RFID sticker to avoid inconvenience as he is planning to visit their province this holiday season.

“At least, kapag kumuha na ako ngayon, hindi na kami maha-hassle kapag didiretso na kami doon” he said.

The initial payment for Class 1 vehicles is P200, while for Class 2 and Class 3 vehicles is P1,000.

Despite it being the first day of cashless transaction, NAIAX designated one lane for cash payment. However, motorists still have to avail the RFID stickers while on this lane.

Meanwhile, in North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) – Balintawak Toll Plaza, no more lanes are designated for cash payment, according to a report of Darlene Cay.

Motorists who have yet to obtain the RFID stickers can avail them upon entering the tollways. This will go on until January 11, 2021.

After January 11, only selected lanes will be designated for cash payment. Motorists who will use the wrong lanes will be fined P2,000.  —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News