Use of 'One RFID' is optional —DOTr

Motorists are not required to shift to the newly launched “One RFID, All Tollways” system, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) clarified Wednesday, emphasizing that the unified toll payment scheme is optional, not mandatory.

“Pero ang importante dito, ay ito ay isang option. Kung masaya kayo sa inyong current setup that you maintain two RFIDs — pupuwede pa rin po. Pero kung gusto niyong subukan itong One RFID, All Tollways — puwede rin po,” said Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez during a Super Radyo dzBB interview on Wednesday. 

(What’s important here is that this is just an option. If you’re happy maintaining two RFIDs, that’s fine. But if you want to try One RFID, All Tollways, you can do that too.) 

After eight years in development, the One RFID system was formally launched on Tuesday and now allows motorists to use a single RFID — either AutoSweep or EasyTrip, across all expressways in Luzon. Lopez said the integration was made possible after toll concessionaires upgraded their systems to achieve full interoperability.

Motorists can register online or at designated toll stations and choose which provider to keep. Once selected, their remaining balance from the other account may either be transferred or refunded. However, accounts with negative balances cannot join the program.

READ: How to get 'One RFID' for Luzon's expressways

Lopez urged drivers to use this rollout as an opportunity to replace worn-out RFID stickers, which are often the reason scanners fail to detect vehicles. 

The new stickers, he added, will now be installed inside the windshield for better protection.

“Usually kaya naantala minsan o 'di nababasa ng sistema ay luma na ang stickers,” Lopez said.

(The reason the system sometimes fails to read is that the stickers are already old.)

The program began its implementation this week, with some motorists already availing of the unified system. Lopez said more improvements are being made to prevent sensor-reading errors and ensure smoother transactions.

LTO project review

Lopez also confirmed that the DOTr has initiated a review of nearly P2 billion worth of Land Transportation Office (LTO) projects linked to a company associated with former Congressman Zaldy Co.

“Ang usapan namin when [Asec. Markus Lacanilao] assumed office—wakasan ang corruption,” Lopez said.

(Our agreement when Asec. Markus Lacanilao assumed office was to end corruption.) 

He said Lacanilao has been directed to coordinate with the Commission on Audit (COA) to verify the funding and use of the projects.

Early Undas inspections

The DOTr has also begun early inspections in bus terminals and transport hubs ahead of the Undas long weekend to ensure passenger safety and convenience.

“Mas magandang mas maaga para hindi kami makaabala at makaantala sa mga bumibiyahe,” Lopez said.

(It’s better to do this early so we don’t cause inconvenience or delays for travelers.)

He said inspection teams will cover airports, seaports, and expressways, with the deployment of enforcers, Coast Guard units, and K-9 teams to secure public transport areas. —KG, GMA Integrated News