DOTr to implement cashless payments on tollways

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will also require expressways to use cashless or contactless payments on their tollways, to ensure that the public is protected against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade issued Department Order 2020-012 on August 13 and instructed agencies to develop new processes and ensure the proper implementation of the new policy within three months.

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“The move will complement other health protocols now being enforced by the government, such as physical distancing, as it aims to limit human intervention and remove the traffic queuing and congestion at the toll plazas,” said DOTr.

According to the DOTr, the department order covers the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), which is tasked with developing rules and regulations requiring concessionaires and operators of toll expressways to permanently use the electronic toll collection system; as well as the Land Transportation Office (LTO), which was tasked to submit a study to find ways to allow the full Cashless and Contactless System on expressways.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is also tasked with monitoring the compliance of all Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) with mandatory use or installation of electronic tags or the use of other cashless systems in their units.

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Also read: DOH clears backlogs in COVID-19 test results

DOTr to implement cashless payments on tollways

Under the order, it was determined that contactless transactions will be implemented on the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (CAVITEX), North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), South Metro Manila Skyway, Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) Tollway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) and all other road networks, including any extension of the existing expressway facilities mentioned, are still under construction, are being established and operated as expressway toll facilities.

Earlier, DOTr also said it is looking into the possibility of collecting  from motorists passing in  in hopes of solving heavy traffic problems there.

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DOTr consultant Alberto Suansing said the proposal, which would require Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology could also generate additional revenue for the government.

There would only be one toll fee rate for EDSA, which passes through several cities in Metro Manila. The government is looking at imposing EDSA toll fees in 2021, the report said.