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As the deadline for contactless toll payments approaches, San Miguel Corporation has announced that it will install an additional 100 RFID installation sites to address the increased number of motorists who want to take advantage of its free Autosweep RFID stickers.
The latest move is part of the company’s measures to serve motorists in both the south and north of Metro Manila and beyond.
According to SMC President and COO Ramon S. Ang, the company had noticed a larger than expected increase in requests, particularly from non-regular users who were expecting to exceed the deadline.
Ang clarified that, contrary to some motorists’ misconception, they can still benefit from free RFID stickers even after the implementation of the cashless toll collection on December 1.
“Although vehicles without RFID will no longer be allowed to travel on the toll roads as of December 1, we will still have RFID installation at various locations, as well as ongoing programs for motorists to obtain decals. We will also maintain the installation sites in the main entrance plazas. You can still secure the decals at a more convenient time, even after the deadline, ”Ang said.
While Ang emphasized that motorists will still be able to obtain RFID stickers even after the implementation of the government’s mandate for cashless transactions, SMC is implementing measures to accommodate the large volume of applications.
The company said that these include:
- Further increase manpower and equipment to speed up pre-enrollment and pre-activation of new autoscan kits.
- Extension of the installation hours within the road to 24 hours, seven days a week. This includes Skyway Runway Plaza, Old NAIAX Toll, C5 Toll, and Nichols and Calamba.
- Activation of 100 new installation sites immediately, as soon as the expected mass delivery of RFID stickers is received.
- Increase the allocation of tags in the 52 existing sites
- Increase off-site installation in barangays, villages, etc.
Ang added that once enough additional installation sites have been opened, Autosweep’s current online dating system will be modified to accommodate requests to perform Autosweep RFID Caravan in LGUSs, towns and shopping centers.
Automatic sweep stations will again begin accepting walk-ins applicants, with strict implementation of health and safety protocols. Special handling will be provided for those who have already booked through an online appointment.
The company also expects the delivery of its RFID mobile wing vans soon. This will allow Autosweep personnel to go to more areas and perform installation activities.
Ang also acknowledged the inconvenience many motorists have experienced when securing RFID stickers from toll road operators.
In the case of SMC toll roads, the increase in applications, along with production and delivery problems for RFID tag suppliers due to the pandemic, have caused some of the problems.
“I would like to apologize to our drivers for any inconvenience. While our people are doing their best and have been able to serve the majority of users, we also know that for many it has been an unpleasant experience. We ask for your continued patience as we transition to cashless mode and help further contain the spread of the virus and protect our drivers, ”Ang said.
Ang added that SMC’s infrastructure unit saw a large increase in applications in October, as the initial November 2 implementation set by the government approached. With the deployment moved to December 1, they experienced a higher than expected volume of applications from non-regular users of their highways: STAR, SLEX, Skyway, NAIAX and TPLEX.
Additionally, RFID tag suppliers said they experienced production and labor constraints and chip component shortages, largely due to the pandemic. This resulted in delayed and staggered deliveries of RFID stickers.
Additionally, since SMC’s Autosweep system has the ability to be enrolled in Metro Pacific Tollways’ Easytrip toll collection system, many subscribers are choosing to use Autosweep, so they can use it for both SMC and MPTC. This has further contributed to the higher volume of applications.
“However, we are determined to make improvements and our people have been working on these solutions so that we can better serve everyone,” Ang said.
In particular, Ang pledged to install more installation sites in the north, given the huge increase in applications from non-regular users in the north who want to secure their free stickers.
“Traditionally, because most of our highways (SLEX, STAR, SKYWAY, NAIAX) are in the south, the vast majority of our users are in the south. However, we have received so many inquiries, requests and applications from non-regular users in the North, so we are increasing the number of installation sites there, ”said Ang.
“Our main goal is to serve as many motorists as possible, in the most efficient way possible. We thank our drivers and ask for their consideration, patience and cooperation. Sama-sama, magtulungan po tayo, ”he added.
