By ALEXANDRIA DENNISE SAN JUAN***
Motorists who do not have yet radio-frequency identification (RFIDs) by Nov.2 will still be allowed on toll ways managed by the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) after the firm decided to extend the installation of RFID stickers beyond the initial deadline.
MPTC runs the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), Cavite Expressway (CAVITEZ), C5 Link, and CALAX.
In a statement Saturday, the MPTC said motorists will still be allowed passage on these toll ways but will be directed to the RFID installation lanes where they can have their RFID stickers installed.
“We will convert some of the remaining cash lanes in all toll plazas of MPTC expressways to RFID installation lanes. At the same time, the off-site customer service stations will continue to operate and install RFID stickers,” MPTC Chief of Technology and MPT South President and General Manager Roberto Bontia said.
Bontia added that stickers will still be given and installed for free except for the initial load where the corresponding toll fee charge for their passage on that day will be deducted.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade signed last August a department order requiring all toll operators to have 100 percent of their facilities on electronic toll collection by Nov. 2 as part of the DOTr’s efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease through limited physical contact.
Aside from the drive-thru installation lanes in entry toll plazas, other RFID installation and reloading sites in various locations will remain open.
