Gatchalian to DOTr, toll operators: Stop ‘carmageddon,’ put up more RFID booths

Senator Win Gatchalian on Friday urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and toll operators to address the traffic jams along expressways brought about by those queuing for the Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) sticker installation.

He recommended the setting up of additional installation sites to accommodate all motorists enrolling for the electronic toll collection (ETC) system, preventing traffic buildup.

The senator took notice of the growing public frustration over the long lines on expressways after some regular toll lanes were converted into RFID installation lanes following the implementation of the cashless and contactless transaction in toll plazas effective December 1.

Gatchalian also took note of reports on defective RFID sensors.

In the last couple of days, commuters coming back to Valenzuela City had to endure at least three hours of traffic just to get through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) interchange as motorists get stuck at the toll booths because the RFID sensor has been consistently malfunctioning and this has exacerbated the traffic build up.

“It’s obviously the lookout of the toll operators to ensure that the RFID sensors are working and should be able to read each and every car sticker that passes through it because otherwise, what’s the use of this kind of technology if it does not serve its purpose?” Gatchalian, vice chairman of the Senate economic affairs Committee, pointed out.

“I see the need for a cashless toll collections system at the expressways especially at this time when we have yet to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19),” he said.

“But we cannot just sit back and allow motorists to be stuck in traffic. Time wasted cannot be regained,” the senator emphasized.

“These cashless/contactless transactions are aimed at easing the passage of motorists by sparing them from the heavy traffic especially during rush hours. In the meantime, however, something needs to be done to help the motorists cope in this transition period,” Gatchalian said.

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