The Skyway Operations and Maintenance Corporation (SOMCO), operator of the Skyway system, has clarified that the plan to designate as “RFID-only” the Elevated Section of the Skyway “• Dona Soledad and Dr A. Santos Exits “• is still being reviewed and will only be implemented upon approval by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).
The plan is expected to result in faster and more efficient throughput at elevated toll plazas, which in turn will mean less congestion at on-ramps and roads leading to the elevated Skyway.
SOMCO appealed to the motoring public to embrace change for the better.
“It only takes six seconds for vehicles with RFID to cross the toll barrier, while cash transactions take about 21 seconds. This means that three vehicles could pass in the RFID lane before one could finish paying at the cash lane. The objective is to have the Skyway Elevated exclusive to RFID users to provide motorists the convenience they are paying a premium for,” said Manuel M. Bonoan, president of SOMCO.
RFID lanes will also be maintained at the at-grade section. The number of RFID lanes will increase as more motorists switch to the faster and more convenient electronic toll collection system.
“We all lose so much just sitting in traffic: time with our families; opportunities in business and at work. In addition, we also waste fuel and impact the environment negatively. As such, Skyway Management continues to look for ways to help ease traffic congestion and make daily drives faster, safer and convenient for motorists,” Bonoan added.
Previously, an advisory from the Skyway management revealed that the Dona Soledad and Dr. A. Santos Avenue exits of the roadway to Parañaque City would be made exclusive to RFID users.
In a Twitter post, Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon said he reached out to the management to address concerns about the new policy, saying it lacks consultation.
The RFID sticker uses radio frequencies to easily transmit data, making toll fee collection easier. Motorists can apply for an RFID through their reloading and installation sites. Those using the e-pass can also migrate to RFID and transfer their remaining balance.
Those living in southern Metro Manila know the pains of driving and commuting to and from the office every day, especially if they work in Makati or Ortigas. For many, the Skyway offers a faster, more convenient route to bypass congested roads toward EDSA. “‹