Senator Win Gatchalian on Sunday called for areview of the concession agreement between the government and toll operators over issues of non-performance and other possible violations committed in the implementation of the Radio-Frequency Identification program.
He also warned toll road companies that their concessions can be revoked.
According to the senator, he will file a resolution within the week even as he slammed toll operators for failing to oversee some malfunctioning RFID sensors in toll plazas prior to the implementation last December 1 of the cashless transaction program.
He said that this contributed to the heavy traffic along expressways in the past few days.
The senator took note of reports on defective RFID sensors such as in the case of those traversing the interchange in the North Luzon Expressway leading to Valenzuela City.
Gatchalian likewise did not spare the Toll Regulatory Board, the agency that regulates the operation and maintenance of toll facilities, for failing to lift a finger in the wake of numerous complaints from motorists of long queues and traffic congestion.
He noted that in the Implementing Rules and Regulations signed by the TRB board last October 5 on the Department of Transportation Order No. 2020-12 requiring cashless or contactless transactions for all vehicles travelling on toll expressways, says that toll operators are required to “ensure at all times the efficient operation and maintenance of the toll collection facility.”
Also, the TRB requires toll road companies to act on motorists’ complaints within three business days from the time of referral or filing of the complaint, and failure to do so without any justifiable reason shall automatically result in the resolution of the issue in the motorists’ favor.
The IRR also provides for the imposition of a penalty against toll road companies for non-compliance with the policy of the TRB.
“Such is an utter display of callousness to the plight of the motorists who, because of technical glitches and apparent inaction of concerned authorities, get stuck in traffic for hours,” Gatchalian said.
“It’s all over the news that snags in the installation of RFID stickers prior to and especially on the day of the start of the cashless toll collection resulted in the high volume of cars along the expressways. This has been happening for several days now. Had there been any clear sign or action from the concerned parties in resolving this monstrous traffic jam? None,” he said.
“The public expects to take cue from the authorities but obviously no one is taking the lead. Toll road operators have the temerity to exact fees from the public without any commensurate services. It’s deplorable to say the least,” Gatchalian added.
Meanwhile, Ang Probinsyano party-list Rep. Alfred delos Santos urged tollways regulators to rethink the implementation of the RFID technology in expressways to promote contactless transactions and prevent possible transmission of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19).
He said that the two RFID systems are burdensome to motorists.
“We fully support this policy of the Department of Transportation, especially in its efforts to minimize physical contact in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Isa itong magandang hakbang para talagang maiwasan ang pagpasa ng virus through physical contact at syempre para mas mapabilis na rin ang transactions sa mga toll station,” Delos Santos said.
“Ngunit, as much as we support this policy, we have to think as well other considerations. Since mayroong dalawang system of RFID systems for toll collection which is, as of the moment, incompatible with one another. Mukhang magiging mahirap ito para sa ating mga motorista,” he added.
Delos Santos said it would be better if the two systems are interoperable for their smooth implementation.
“People are willing to abide by the regulation naman pero the problem is mahirap ang proseso at hassle. For example, during the application for the RFID, ang haba ng pila tapos sa toll pa ito gagawin and with the slow rate brought about by difficulty of installing the RFID, kadalasan hindi pa ma-shoot sa scanner, ang daming motorista ang napeperwisyo lalo na yung mga galing pa sa kanilang mga trabaho,” he said.