Following the complaints of motorists who have yet to attach RFID stickers on their vehicles, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has decided to push the start of the mandatory implementation of cashless toll collections on toll roads from November 2 to December 1.
With the extension, this means that the full implementation of the department order mandating only the cashless mode of payment or the 100% use of electronic payment systems in expressways will start on December 1. The deadline will no longer be extended beyond this date.
“Secretary (Arthur) Tugade allowed the extension in order to give motorists, especially infrequent toll road users, more time to comply with the department order, and to prevent the long queues currently being experienced at toll roads in the rush to get the RFID stickers. But, mind you, this will be the last time that we will be extending. No more extension beyond December 1,” Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) Executive Director Abraham Sales said.
To recall, the DOTr earlier issued Department Order 2020-012 which ordered the full implementation of cashless toll collections at the expressways and major toll roads, in line with the government’s thrust to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and to avoid traffic congestion in toll plazas.
Motorists who fail to conform to the government mandate will be apprehended and issued a citation ticket.
Meanwhile, DOTr Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor reminded motorists to make use of the extended deadline to have RFIDs installed in their vehicles as early as they can.
“Iwasan natin ‘yung kung kailan isang linggo na lang, tsaka tayo magmamadaling magpunta sa installation sites para magpakabit ng RFID. Now, we are extending the deadline to give further consideration. Let us use the extension wisely,” Asec. Pastor said.