Gov’t launches ‘One RFID, All Tollways’ system

Metro Manila, Philippines - Motorists taking the expressways may avail of the unified toll collection system launched by the government on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Toll Collection System Interoperability Project, also called “One RFID, All Tollways,” would reduce unnecessary stress and delays among travelers.

“Ang repormang ito sa RFID (radio frequency identification) system ay bahagi ng mas malawak nating layunin na gawing mas moderno, konektado, at nakatuon sa pangangailangan ng bawat Pilipino ang ating imprastraktura,” Marcos said in his speech at the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) Toll Operation Building in Calamba, Laguna.

[Translation: The RFID system reform is part of the larger goal to make our infrastructure more modern, connected, and focused on the infrastructure needs of every Filipino.]

With the one RFID system, which is optional, motorists have the choice to use a single RFID card instead of the previous two different cards in various tollways - the “Autosweep” of SMC Infrastructure on its toll roads and “Easytrip” of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation.

SMC Infrastructure operates the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway, Skyway System (Stages 1, 2, and 3), NAIA Expressway, South Luzon Expressway, and Southern Tagalog Arterial Road.

Metro Pacific operates North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, Cavitex, Cavite-Laguna Expressway, Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, and NLEX Connector.

Motorists will have to register online by visiting the website of their preferred RFID service provider. They will have to remove the unchosen RFID sticker at the authorized customer service centers before loading their chosen account.

Early adopters can keep their current accounts while opting into the new unified RFID.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the balance of the unchosen account may be refunded or transferred to the other account.

Marcos thanked the private sector, particularly Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corporation and Manny Pangilinan of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., the tycoons behind the Luzon tollways.

The DOTr and the Toll Regulatory Board coordinated with RFID service providers Autosweep and Easytrip for the project.