TRB announces reimplementation of RFID only toll collection on expressways
The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has announced that it has ordered all tollways (expressways) to reimplement the cashless/RFID-only toll collection beginning March 15, 2025.
“Following the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) issuance of its Department Order No. 2024-022 lifting D.O. No. 2021-003, or the Addendum to D.O. No. 2020-012, “Requiring Cashless or Contactless Transactions for All Vehicles Travelling on Toll Expressways”; the Toll regulatory Board’s (TRB) issuance of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of DOTr’s Department Order No. 2020-012; and after several months of dry-run implementation thereof, the Cashless/Contactless Transactions Program will be re-implemented starting March 15, 2025 in all toll expressways under the TRB’s jurisdiction. This program intends to optimize the use of all the toll lanes/plazas through the utilization of Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) System,” said TRB.
No valid RFID = ticket
With the reimplementation of the RFID-only toll collection, the TRB has reminded motorists to install their vehicles with an RFID to avoid penalties.
“Those motor vehicles without valid ETC Device/RFID Sticker will still be allowed to enter the toll lane/plaza, but shall be installed with an ETC Device/RFID Sticker at the designated space after the toll plaza, or the nearest installation site. However, the Land Transportation Office (LTO), through its deputized personnel, will issue against them either a Temporary Operator’s Permit or a Show Cause Order for violating the ‘No Valid ETC Device, No Entry’ Policy under the DOTr/LTO/TRB’s Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2024-001, and will be meted the corresponding penalties.”
MPTC, SMC support RFID-only toll collection on expressways
Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) and San Miguel Corporation (SMC), being the duopoly operating the country’s expressways, have expressed full support for the government’s reimplementation of its RFID-only toll collection starting March 15, 2025.
“We, the toll concessionaires operating the country’s expressways, fully support the government’s initiative to reimplement the Cashless/Contactless Toll Collection Policy through Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2024-001 issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and Toll Regulatory Board (TRB),” said MPTC and SMC through a joint statement.
They also added that based on the latest data from the TRB, 97% of expressway users already use an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) Device/RFID Sticker for toll payments. The remaining 3% of motorists who still pay in cash are encouraged by both companies to switch to RFID for a faster, more efficient, and seamless toll experience.
Getting an RFID is simple and hassle-free. Installation is FREE, with no maintaining balance or minimum load required. RFID balance reloading can be done via RFID reloading centers, e-wallets, online bank apps, and other partner institutions/payment centers.
