The interoperability of expressways in Luzon operated by the Ramon Ang-led SMC Infrastructure and Manny Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) are now complete through the One RFID program.
In a joint statement on Tuesday, the two tollway operators proudly announced the “successful completion of interoperability between our electronic toll collection (ETC) systems, Autosweep and Easytrip.”
“This latest feature will directly benefit motorists who will register for a new ETC account, as they will only need one radio frequency identification and account to travel seamlessly across the Luzon expressway network,” the joint statement read.
The One RFID program was officially launched in Calamba City, Laguna on Tuesday morning, with the ceremonies attended by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
The project was initiated by the government through the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) in a bid to improve the efficiency of the country’s expressway network.
The two tollway operators said the One RFID will be optional, as motorists with existing separate Autosweep and Easytrip RFIDs and accounts are given the choice to join the toll interoperability program or to maintain two separate RFID accounts.
The program covers the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex), the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX), the NAIA Expressway (NAIAx), the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), the NLEX Connector, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), the Skyway System, the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), the STAR Tollway, and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).
Without the interoperability, motorists will need separate RFIDs for Autosweep issued by the San Miguel Group for the Skyway System, the SLEX, the STAR Tollway, the TPLEX, the NAIAx, and the MCX; and Easytrip tags of the MPTC for the the NLEX, the SCTEX, the CAVITEx, the C5 Southlink, and the CALAX.
“The road to One RFID was not easy, as it required extensive work on the part of all stakeholders. Both ETC providers made significant upgrades to their existing infrastructure to integrate their systems, while conducting rigorous testing to ensure smooth and seamless interoperability,” the tollway operators said.
With the completion of the interoperability project, the expressway operators said their focus will now be on roll-out – by making registration to the One RFID program more convenient and accessible and continuously improving the system to ensure an overall and better travel experience.
The tollway operators thanked the DOTr led by Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez and TRB executive director Jose Arturo Tugade for guiding the project towards completion.
“Their valuable guidance helped us navigate the existing regulatory environment, which simplified settlement mechanisms, so that motorists can enjoy a smooth and secure experience,” they added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News
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