San Miguel Corporation (SMC) announced that it will implement cashless toll collection starting November 2, 2020 in a bid to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019.
According to SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang, they’ve already implemented systems reconfiguration and set up additional lanes at its expressways.
“We have completed the reconfiguration of these cashless lanes to help ensure a smooth transition and hopefully, minimal delays for motorists. Implementing this measure is a priority for us because it is in line with government health regulations and it will better protect both our motorists and expressway employees,” Ang said.
Based on Department of Transportation’s Department Order 2020-012, cashless toll collection will be implemented at the Skyway system, the NAIA Expressway; South Luzon Expressway, STAR tollway, and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).
“We support government policy to go cashless. We also believe it will stem the spread of the virus even as we keep transportation and mobility open and efficient. I would like to remind the public: For your added convenience and safety, please avail now of your free RFID stickers at our toll plazas. There are no requirements, so it will be very quick and easy,” he added.
There are now 130 Electronic Toll Collection lanes at Skyway, 134 at SLEX, 36 at NAIAX and 58 lanes at STAR. Meanwhile, TPLEX’s 37 ETC lanes are being upgraded to 52.
SMC earlier introduced the “RFID To Go” scheme. With this, motorists may avail of the free installation of RFID at the lanes with a minimum of P200 load for Class 1 vehicles and an amount equivalent to farthest toll for Class 2 and 3.