NLEx Corp. boosts RFID system, cashless toll collection

NLEx Corp. said Tuesday it is boosting its electronic toll collection system, particularly its radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, in line with the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) intensified campaign on cashless transactions for motorists using the expressways.

In a statement, NLEx Corp. said it is working with Easytrip Services Corp. in improving its RFID system.

“This is to encourage contactless payments and ensure physical distancing at the NLEx-SCTEx (North Luzon Expressway - Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) amid the coronavirus pandemic,” the tollways operator said.

The move will also help DOTr’s drive for toll collection interoperability, it said.

“We are grateful to our private partners who have always demonstrated their unparalleled support in this project. We need their assistance to fast-track the needed measures in order to fully implement toll interoperability. Hindi ‘ho namin ito kakayanin mag-isa. Tulung-tulong ‘ho tayo muli at dahil sa kinakaharap nating krisis, kailangan natin bilisan,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

The enhancements being initiated by NLEx Corp. include the realignment and relocation of RFID antennas/sensors for better read range.

Dubbed as the “advanced reading” project, NLEx Corp. said this covers a total of 100 lanes from Balintawak to Tarlac/Tipo, 72 of which are for the exclusive use of motorists with RFID stickers, while the 28 others function as mixed lanes which accept both cash and electronic payments.

The said improvements will also increase the number of exclusive RFID lanes from 15 in February to 72 by July 2020.

The tollways company is likewise replacing the lane status indicators for greater visibility especially for those driving at night.

Recently, NLEx improved the automatic entry matching feature in its toll collection system to reduce the processing of entry lane data from four hours to almost real-time.

It also finished the upgrade of RFID web servers to accommodate the increasing RFID transactions and the modification of toll fare indicators in payment lanes to enable the display of updated balance for Easytrip prepaid accounts.

“We recognize the significant role of digital technology in enhancing customer experience and preventing the spread of COVID-19. Aside from promoting safety, the improvements in RFID would translate to faster and more convenient electronic transactions in our expressway network,” NLEx Corp. president and general manager J. Luigi Bautista said.

Meanwhile, as part of efforts to adapt to the new normal, NLEx Corp. and Easytrip Corp. have offered more ways to make it convenient for motorists to avail the RFID.

These involve the opening of RFID lane installation and reloading sites in Balintawak, Bocaue, Mindanao, Karuhatan, and Angeles toll plazas; and reopening the installation and reloading sites at rest and refuel stations such as NLEX Drive and Dine, Petron Marilao, Petron Bocaue and Shell Burol, according to the tollways company.

“These are open from Monday to Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The RFID stickers will be free of charge but an initial minimum load of P500 for Class 1 and P1,000 for Class 2 and 3 vehicles must be paid,” it said.

Easytrip earlier introduced the Stick-It-Yourself RFID, where Class 1 motorists can order it online and have it delivered at the comfort of their homes.

The Stick-It-Yourself RFID kit comes with positioning guide, user guide, and card for reloading. It is also available in select NLEx-SCTEx toll booths in Meycauayan SB, Marilao SB, Bocaue Interchange SB Exit, Balagtas, San Fernando NB, Dinalupihan, and Tarlac.

For more convenience, motorists may top up through the Easytrip mobile application and online reloading partners such as PayMaya, Eon, GCash, Bancnet, Mastercard, Visa, UCPB, BPI, Metrobank, BDO, Coins.ph, and Smart Money. Service fees may apply.

Aside from NLEx-SCTEx, the Easytrip RFID can be used in other Metro Pacific-led expressways such as Manila–Cavite Expressway (CAVITEx), C5 LINK, and Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAx).

“Rest assured that our teams will strive harder to keep on providing the best service for our customers,” Bautista said. --KBK, GMA News