Transport sector vows to fast-track interoperability of Autosweep, Easytrip RFIDs

The transportation sector is now pushing to fast-track the interoperability of radio frequency identifiation (RFID) tags, to allow motorists to use both the Autosweep and Easytrip tags in most expressways across Luzon.

In a statement, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) cited the need to integrate the contactless payment solutions for expressways amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"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," Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

"Hindi ‘ho namin ito kakayanin mag-isa. Tulung-tulong ‘ho tayo muli at dahil sa kinakaharap nating krisis, kailangan nating bilisan," he added.

According to the DOTr, the Toll Regulatory Board reported over 700,000 Autosweep RFID tags that are qualified for registration.

The Autosweep tags are issued by the San Miguel Group for the Skyway, the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx), the STAR Tollway, the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx), the NAIA Expressway (NAIAx), and the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX).

Upon completion of the Phase 1 of the Toll Collection Interoperability Project which is currently ongoing, the Autosweep tags will then be readable at the Easytrip System.

The Easytrip System covers the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEx), the C5 Southlink, and the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX).

Meanwhile, Phase 2 will allow Easytrip RFID tafs to be readable at the Autosweep System.

"We fully support the DOTr and its initiative of unifying toll collection across all expressways. We have been working with them and the other operators and stakeholders on this project for some time," said San Miguel Corp. president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang.

"The scheme complements our program to promote contactless and cashless toll transactions in our own tollway facilities, especially during this time of pandemic. Motorists deserve fast, convenient and hygienic toll services," added Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. president and chief executive officer Rodrigo Franco.

"This will bring greater convenience to all expressway patrons, and more importantly, will help the government's efforts in controlling the spread of COVID-19 through cashless and contactlesss toll payments," said MCX Tollway president Noel Eli Kintanar. — BM, GMA News