Lawyer Nick Conti, convenor of CLICK Partylist and chief executive of Capstone-Intel Corp., called on the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) to prioritize the modernization of toll collection systems before imposing penalties on motorists for not having RFID tags or having insufficient loads.
“Before we even think of penalizing motorists, the TRB must first focus on improving and modernizing the toll collection systems. The persistent congestion on our toll roads, especially in Metro Manila, is largely due to defective RFID readers and the lack of a uniform payment system across various tollway concessionaires,” Conti said.
Conti, a former commissioner of the Presidential Commission on Good Government and the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission, said the current RFID technology used in the Philippines is outdated and unreliable, leading to delays and inconvenience for motorists.
“It’s time for the TRB to adopt state-of-the-art toll collection technology similar to those used in countries like Singapore, Germany, and the United States, where toll systems are seamless and efficient,” he said.
Conti cited examples from around the world, such as Singapore’s Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system, which uses overhead gantries equipped with sensors to detect vehicles and automatically deduct tolls, and Germany’s Toll Collect system, which uses GPS and mobile communication technology to calculate and collect tolls based on distance traveled.
He also highlighted the electronic toll collection systems in the United States, like E-ZPass, which allows for quick and seamless toll payments through RFID technology.
“Modernizing our toll collection systems will not only improve efficiency and convenience for motorists but also ensure accurate and transparent toll collection, which is crucial for revenue generation and road maintenance,” Conti said,
He stressed the need for a standardized toll collection system across all toll roads to avoid the need for multiple RFID tags or compatibility issues.
“A unified system will benefit all road users, ensuring a smoother and more consistent travel experience,” he said.
Conti suggested that the TRB be empowered with advanced technology to conduct daily audits of toll collections, ensuring that the revenue collected is accurately reported and properly remitted.
“The modernization of our toll collection systems is not just about convenience; it’s about improving traffic mobility, reducing congestion, and enhancing the overall road user experience. We must learn from global best practices and implement these solutions here in the Philippines,” he said.
