DOTr moves implementation of cashless toll collections to December 1

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has moved the start of the mandatory implementation of cashless toll collections on toll roads from November 2 to December 1, 2020.

In a statement on Wednesday, the DOTr said the new schedule is in response to the clamor of motorists who have yet to install RFID stickers on their vehicles.

Toll Regulatory Board Executive Director Abraham Sales said Secretary Arthur Tugade allowed the extension to give motorists, especially infrequent toll road users, more time to install RFIDs.

This is also to prevent long queues that are being experienced at toll roads as motorists rush to get the RFID stickers, he added.

“But, mind you, this will be the last time that we will be extending. No more extension beyond December 1,” Sales said in a statement.

JUST IN: Cashless system sa mga expressway, ipapatupad na sa December 1 sa halip na November 2 ayon sa DOTr. Ibig sabihin, extended din ang pagpapakabit ng RFID stickers. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/5Dz4fX0Qi6

— James Agustin (@_jamesJA) October 27, 2020

According to TRB, the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) and the San Miguel Corporation (SMC) are ready for the use of electronic payment systems.

With the extension, DOTr Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor reminded motorists to have the RFID stickers installed on their vehicles as early as they can.

“Iwasan natin ‘yung kung kailan isang linggo na lang, tsaka tayo magmamadaling magpunta sa installation sites para magpakabit ng RFID,” Pastor said.

“Now, we are extending the deadline to give further consideration. Let us use the extension wisely,” he added.

Under Department Order 2020-012, DOTr mandated all toll road operators to go full cashless in its transactions by November 2, in a bid to arrest the spread of COVID-19.

Motorists who fail to comply will be apprehended and issued a citation ticket, the DOTr said. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News