EMONG'S JOURNALS

As the nation continues its transition to easier, tech-enabled travel, MPT Mobility encourages motorists to build good RFID habits to further ease their journeys and enjoy convenience on the road. “As with your own car, the RFID sticker requires some maintenance,” says Jack L. Coson, President and General Manager of Easytrip. “We [MPT Mobility] are committed to making the overall customer experience convenient, easy, and smooth sailing for all subscribers. Checking, reloading, and overall account management have been made so simple—thanks to the interconnectivity of Easytrip, MPT DriveHub, and MPTC expressways.” Here are different ways you can make your journey convenient and hassle-free before hitting the road with your Easytrip RFID. Do It All Online The easiest way is to download the MPT DriveHub App, sign up, and then link your RFID. It’s your one-stop-shop for all things RFID-related. I...

Motorists passing through RFID-only designated lanes without valid RFIDs in CAVITEX would be apprehended and fined starting May 17, 2021. In a Facebook post yesterday, the Manila–Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) said they will start apprehending motorists entering RFID lanes without valid RFIDs based on Republic Act No. 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code) and DOTr Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2014-01. Disobedient drivers can be issued a ticket for “disregarding traffic signs,” a violation under JAO No. 2014-01 with a PHP1,000 fine, since there’s a sign saying ‘RFID-only’ lane but the vehicle still tried to enter. An obstruction violation, with a corresponding PHP1,000 fine, can also be issued to a driver who attempts to enter an RFID lane since they will get stuck behind a toll barrier and obstruct the flow of traffic. In total, it seems likely that the motorist may be slapped with a hefty fine of up to PHP 2,000. Motorists who do not have Easytrip RFIDs yet are advised...

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart)  has partnered with Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) to introduce a much simpler and easier way of reloading the Easytrip RFID using the country's first toll top-up via mobile load service. The new service enables Smart and TNT customers to conveniently reload their Easytrip RFID accounts anytime and anywhere just by sending a text message. To reload, subscribers simply have to key in  EASY[DENOM]<SPACE>[12-DIGIT RFID ACCOUNT NUMBER] and send to 3279 Customers may load in denominations of P100, P300, P500, or P1000, and the amount shall be deducted from their prepaid airtime balance if they are a Smart Prepaid or TNT subscriber, or shall be charged to their monthly bill if they are a Smart Postpaid customer. Subscribers shall receive a text message for every successful transaction, and will have their Easytrip RFID accounts credited quickly after. Subscribers may use t...

We will still see cash lanes inside major Luzon expressways as the transition period for the 100% cashless transaction scheme in tollways will remain in effect "until further notice", according to an announcement from the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB). "Cash lanes will still be available. Motorists without RFID will not be apprehended. RFID subscription and installation [are] available in many locations designated by the toll operators," says TRB Spokesperson Julius Corpuz. Back in December, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) deferred the enforcement of the RFID deadline to address the complaints of motorists due to the faulty RFID system, and the inability of the toll operators to cope with the huge number of vehicles that are supposed to have the RFID installed. The Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) operates EasyTrip RFIDs used in the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), ...