SMC Tollways: We are ready for cashless toll collection

Yesterday, the Toll Regulatory Board announced that starting September 1, 2023, expressway concessionaires will conduct a dry-run of the contactless (AKA cashless) collection of toll fees via RFID.

It is in line with the government's renewed push for cashless and contactless payment along the country's expressways, as well as to provide seamless travel for motorists. In addition, the two-month dry-run will also test the readiness of concessionaires for a smooth reimplementation of the program.

Today, SMC Tollways announced that it is ready to implement its cashless and contactless payment system on its expressways. According to SMC president Ramon S. Ang, they are in support of the government's move to make collecting toll fees faster and purely cashless.

“We support the DOTr's and the TRB's move to make toll collection purely cashless. We believe this move will significantly reduce traffic congestion and waiting times at toll plazas and contribute to a smoother and safer travel experience,” said Ang.

Under the TRB-directed dry run, only vehicles with an active Autosweep RFID account will be allowed along SMC’s toll expressways. These include the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR), Skyway at-grade and Skyways 1,2,3; the NAIA Expressway, and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).

Vehicles without an AutoSweep RFID sticker will be allowed to pass, but toll personnel will install an RFID sticker on their vehicle so they can exit at the electronic toll collection (ETC) lane towards their destination/s.

The toll personnel will also take a photo of the vehicle license plate and secure the motorist's mobile number. Motorists will then need to complete the registration process via the AutoSweep RFID website.

Motorists who refuse to have an RFID sticker installed on their vehicles will have their license plates recorded and tagged and may be issued violation tickets for obstructing traffic. On the other hand, the replacement of malfunctioning RFID stickers will remain free of charge as part of Autosweep’s commitment to supporting the full cashless transaction program of the TRB.

“Our teams are already installing and calibrating RFID scanners and related equipment. We will do everything necessary to ensure that the implementation will go smoothly. If in the course of the dry run period, any adjustments have to be made, we will also be ready,” added Ang.