THE TOLL Regulatory Board (TRB) on Wednesday said toll operators are ready to enforce cashless transactions starting Dec. 1 amid a coronavirus pandemic.
Toll plazas with almost 800 toll lanes are ready, TRB Executive Director Abraham P. Sales told an online news briefing.
He said about 3.2 million radio-frequency identification (RFID) stickers have been installed on vehicles.
“Toll operators have a capacity to install 30,0000 a day. They have sufficient stocks,” Mr. Sales said.
Romulo S. Quimbo, Jr., NLEX Corp. senior vice-president for communications, said the company expects more vehicles with RFIDs by Dec. 1.
“For motorists who don’t have the time, we will continue to install RFID stickers on a walk-in basis,” he said. RFID installation will continue after the deadline.
Transportation Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope O. Libiran said the Dec. 1 deadline is only for toll operators to comply with the 100% cashless payment. “This is not a deadline or ultimatum for motorists,” she said in Filipino.
The government is implementing cashless toll payments at expressways to contain a coronavirus pandemic. The plan was supposed to start on Nov. 2. — Arjay L. Balinbin