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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 7) – North Luzon Expressway has acknowledged the traffic problems caused by the company’s toll system and promised to “do everything possible” to improve operations in the coming days as the deadline for action approaches.
In an interview with CNN Philippines’ New Day on Monday, NLEx Corp.’s senior vice president of communications Junji Quimbo admitted flaws in his system, including problems with his radio frequency identification sensors in vehicles.
“We will do everything possible to remedy the situation by improving our [RFID] management, “Quimbo said.
NLEX has recently been harassed by criticism, particularly from Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian, about heavy traffic due to errors at its toll booths. Gatchalian previously described the issue as “highway robbery” by NLEx despite the use of RFIDs that allegedly provide motorists with safe, cashless convenience.
On Friday, Gatchalian drafted a complaint against NLEx and threatened to suspend its business permit in the city unless it complies with the local government’s demand for concrete solutions to address the traffic jams that have been affecting the “economy, mental and general welfare of [their] the citizens.”
Gatchalian has given the company until Monday to provide an action plan and explain why its business permit should not be revoked.
The president and CEO of the company, Luigi Bautista, appealed for 15 days to respond to the concerns raised and obtain the results of a “structured observation visit.” He reasoned that the full implementation of the RFID program only started on December 1.
Quimbo said the company recognizes the massive traffic in the city and called for the public’s understanding as they try to find solutions to RFID failures.
“Traffic is a factor of several things and the holidays are upon us. The city of Valenzuela is no exception, since it occupies a strategic location in Metro Manila,” Quimbo reasoned.
“We recognize that we are encountering problems at the toll gates. There is a domino effect when one or two cars get stuck at the toll gate … and we recognize it. We hear those complaints,” he added.
Quimbo also accepted Gatchalian’s recommendation to improve its operations as well as the way the South Luzon Expressway has been implementing its toll system.
“We are doing everything possible to find solutions. We will see what SLEX is doing and hope to apply it not only in Valenzuela but throughout the system,” he added.
The national government, through the Department of Transportation, ordered the full implementation of the RFID system in toll companies as of December 1. Under the system, digital data is tagged and captured on radio waves, as part of its efforts to minimize COVID-19 transmissions. .
DOTr previously gave motorists until January 11, 2021 to obtain RFID stickers when entering toll roads. However, officials later said that the toll lanes will still be available beyond the transition period from December 1 to January 11.
READ: The mayor of Valenzuela tells NLEX: Suspend the rates, apologize to the drivers
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