RFID Woes: Expressway Licenses at Stake, Says Senator

The concessions or licenses to operate of the country's expressways are on the line should they fail to fix problems in the implementation of cashless payments using AutoSweep and Easytrip RFID, a senator said.

Motorists are still rushing to secure their RFID stickers past the Dec. 1 implementation of full cashless payments in expressways, resulting in traffic bottlenecks at toll gates.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said he would seek a review of the concessions of toll road operators. Conglomerates San Miguel and Metro Pacific operate the country's expressways, using AutoSweep and Easytrip, respectively.

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“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,” Gatchalian said.

"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," he said.

Gatchalian's younger brother, Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian, also called on NLEX management to address the traffic jams caused by what said were faulty RFID sensors at the toll gates.

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The senator said the Implementing Rules and Regulations signed by the Toll Regulatory Board last October required toll operators to "ensure at all times the efficient operation and maintenance of the toll collection facility."

According to the IRR, non-compliance would result in a penalty, he said.