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To address the growing demand for self-scanning Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) self-adhesive labels ahead of the full implementation of cashless tolling on major highways on December 1, 2020, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is installing 100 sites RFID installation plans to serve drivers in the south and north of Metro Manila and beyond.
SMC saw a larger-than-expected increase in requests, particularly from non-regular users hoping to exceed the deadline, according to president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang.
While motorists will still be able to get RFID stickers even after next month’s deadline, SMC is implementing measures to accommodate the sheer volume of applications.
First, SMC is increasing manpower and equipment to expedite pre-enrollment and pre-activation of new autoscan kits.
It is extending its on-road installation hours to 24 hours, seven days a week.
This includes Skyway Runway Plaza, Old NAIAX Toll, C5 Toll, and Nichols and Calamba.
SMC activated 100 new installation sites immediately, as soon as the company received its expected mass delivery of RFID stickers.
In addition, the company increased tagging at the existing 52 sites, as well as increased off-site installation in barangays and villages.
Once SMC has opened enough additional installation sites, Autosweep’s current online dating system will be modified to accommodate requests to run Autosweep RFID Caravan at LGUSs, villages and shopping centers, Ang promised.
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 delivery of its RFID mobile wing vans soon.
These vans will allow Autosweep personnel to go to more areas and perform installation activities.
Motorists can still enjoy free RFID stickers even after 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 stickers,” he reiterated.
“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. “
Many motorists experienced difficulties obtaining RFID stickers from toll road operators, the president acknowledged.
In the case of SMC toll roads, the increase in applications coupled with production and delivery issues from RFID tag providers due to the pandemic caused some of the problems.
“I apologize for any inconvenience,” Ang stated.
SMC’s infrastructure unit saw a large increase in applications in October as the initial November 2 rollout 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 suffered production and labor constraints and chip component shortages, largely due to the pandemic.
This resulted in delayed and staggered deliveries of RFID stickers.
Since SMC’s Autosweep system has the ability to enroll in Metro Pacific Tollways’ Easytrip toll collection system, many subscribers chose to leverage Autosweep for use on both the SMC and MPTC highways.
This contributed to the higher volume of applications.
The president of SMC 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,” explained Angce.
“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,” he said.
“Our main goal is to serve as many motorists as possible, in the most efficient way possible.”
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