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Cashless/contactless transactions along the nation’s toll expressways will be re-implemented starting March 15, 2025
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The mandatory program intends to optimize use of all toll lanes/plazas through the electronic toll collection system
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First implemented in December 2020, the program was suspended due to several operational issues
Cashless/contactless transactions along the nation’s toll expressways will be re-implemented starting March 15, 2025.
This, after the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) issued the revised implementing rules of a Department of Transportation order lifting the suspension.
The mandatory program intends to optimize use of all toll lanes/plazas through the electronic toll collection (ETC) system.
First implemented in December 2020, the program was suspended due to several operational issues.
Starting March 15, all motor vehicles travelling along the expressways are required to have valid ETC device/radio frequency identification (RFID) installed.
Vehicles without valid ETC device/RFID sticker will still be allowed to enter the toll lanes but will be installed with the device at the designated space after the toll plaza or nearest installation site.
The Land Transportation Office will issue the vehicle a temporary operator’s permit or show cause order for violating the “no valid ETC device, no entry” policy under Joint Memorandum Circular 2024-001, and will be subject to corresponding penalty.
READ: TRB issues new guidelines on contactless toll collection
The TRB has observed that dedicated toll lanes used by cash-paying motorists are usually congested with vehicles, hampering the fast and efficient flow of traffic.
A more efficient flow of traffic is expected once lanes are strictly used for ETC only.
Motorists who do not yet have the ETC device/RFID sticker are asked to avail of them soonest to avoid penalties.
The TRB has committed to have more RFID installation sites and loading stations in the major entries of expressways, while also simplifying installation procedures.
Installation is free and there is no maintaining balance requirement.
Toll Expressway concessionaires, operators, and RFID service providers are mandated under the 2024 Minimum Performance Standards and Specifications to conform and comply with the enumerated Key Performance Indicators for the Toll Collection System. Failure to do so will warrant the imposition of the corresponding penalties and other sanctions.
