The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has adjusted the start of the mandatory implementation of cashless toll collections on toll roads from Nov. 2 to Dec. 1, 2020 in response to public clamor asking for more time to install radio-frequency identification (RFIDs) in vehicles.
Adjusting the deadline
“Answering the clamor of motorists who have yet to attach RFID stickers on their vehicles, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has decided to push the start of the mandatory implementation of cashless toll collections on toll roads from November 2 to December 1,” the DOTr said in a statement posted recently on Facebook.
“With the extension, this means that the full implementation of the department order mandating only the cashless mode of payment, or the 100% use of electronic payment systems, in expressways will start on December 1. The deadline will no longer be extended beyond this date,” the DOTr added.
No further extensions
Meanwhile, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) also stressed that the postponement will be done just once and further extensions will not be granted. Motorists who enter toll expressways with no RFID by Dec. 1 and beyond will be apprehended and issued a citation ticket, the TRB said.
“Secretary Tugade allowed the extension in order to give motorists, especially infrequent toll road users, more time to comply with the department order, and to prevent the long queues currently being experienced at toll roads in the rush to get the RFID stickers. But, mind you, this will be the last time that we will be extending. No more extension beyond December 1,” explains TRB executive director Abraham Sales.
Prompt shift to RFID urged
Meanwhile, DOTr Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor reminded motorists to take advantage of the extended deadline and have RFIDs installed as soon as possible.
“Iwasan natin ‘yung kung kailan isang linggo na lang, tsaka tayo magmamadaling magpunta sa installation sites para magpakabit ng RFID. Now, we are extending the deadline to give further consideration. Let us use the extension wisely,” Asec. Pastor said.
The TRB added that while Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) and the San Miguel Corporation (SMC) are equipped and ready to implement the Order, both have respectively extended the installation of RFID stickers beyond Nov. 2, 2020.