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SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian warned Sunday that toll operators could lose their concession amid reported mess in the implementation of the radio frequency identification (RFID) program.
The senator called for a review of the concession agreement between the government and the toll operators for non-compliance and other possible violations committed in the implementation of the RFID program.
He criticized toll operators again for failing to monitor some malfunctioning RFID sensors at toll plazas ahead of the December 1 implementation of cashless transactions, contributing to dense vehicular traffic on the highways in recent days. .
Gatchalian cited reports of faulty RFID sensors from those crossing the interchange on the North Luzon Expressway, or NLEx, which leads to the city of Valenzuela.
He also criticized officials from the Tolls Regulatory Board (TRB), which regulates the operation and maintenance of toll facilities, for ignoring numerous complaints from motorists about long lines and traffic congestion.
He emphasized that under the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) signed by the TRB board on October 5 on Department of Transportation Order 2020-12 requiring cashless or contactless transactions on highways, toll operators must “ ensure the efficient operation and maintenance of the toll collection facility at all times ”.
TRB was also tasked with requiring toll road companies to act on motorist complaints within three business days from the time the complaint was referred or filed.
“Failure to do so without a justifiable reason will automatically result in resolution of the problem in favor of motorists,” Gatchalian said in a statement.
The TIR also provides for the imposition of a sanction on toll road companies for non-compliance with TRB policy.
“It is an absolute display of insensitivity to the difficult situation of motorists who, due to technical failures and the apparent inaction of the concerned authorities, remain trapped in traffic for hours,” he said.
“It is in all the news that obstacles in the installation of RFID stickers before and especially on the day of the start of the cashless toll collection resulted in a large volume of cars along the freeways. This has been going on for several days. Has there been any clear signal or action from stakeholders to resolve this monstrous traffic jam? None “, lamented the senator.
He said authorities and toll operators left motorists to their own devices.
“Toll road operators have the temerity to demand rates from the public without any appropriate service. It’s deplorable to say the least, ”Gatchalian said.
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