The Philippine government’s toll regulators are set to introduce new guidelines to address concerns and challenges on its RFID system.
The country’s transportation sector continues to face challenges, including toll lane congestions. One of the solutions was to shift to an RFID system that can hasten toll payments.
But there are still vehicles without the said RFID tags.
The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) said it will introduce guidelines on its RFID systems to hopefully address toll lane congestion.
TRB Executive Director Alvin Carullo, quoted by reports, said a “dedicated cash lane” will soon be available for motorists who occasionally travel through Metro Manila and do not have RFID tags.
Carullo said this “exceptional transaction lane” is a “dedicated lane for cash payments.”
The exceptional transaction lane will accommodate motorists who only travel to the city occasionally or come from the provinces.
Under the current rules, vehicles without RFID tags will no longer be able to enter RFID lanes under the new “No RFID, No Entry” rule. Additionally, those with insufficient RFID load will also be denied entry.
According to data gathered by the TRB in May 2024, 95.2% of motorists already have RFID tags. However, 4.8% of motorists still do not use them, while around 3.6% have insufficient load on their RFID accounts.
The toll regulator this will still contribute to traffic build-up at toll lanes.
What is RFID technology?
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that uses electromagnetic fields to identify and track tags attached to objects.
In the transportation sector, RFID has become a crucial tool for improving efficiency, security, and overall operations.
Key applications of RFID in transportation
- Asset tracking: RFID tags can be attached to vehicles, shipping containers, or other assets to track their location and movement in real-time. This helps prevent theft, improve inventory management, and optimize transportation routes.
- Toll collection: Electronic toll collection systems often use RFID tags on vehicles to automatically deduct tolls as they pass through toll gates. This reduces traffic congestion and improves the user experience.
- Access control: RFID cards can be used for access control to restricted areas in transportation facilities, such as airports, train stations, or parking garages. This enhances security and prevents unauthorized access.
- Public transportation: RFID-based ticketing systems allow passengers to tap their cards on readers to enter and exit public transportation vehicles. This streamlines the ticketing process, reduces fraud, and provides valuable data for transportation planning.
- Supply chain management: RFID tags can be used to track the movement of goods throughout the supply chain, from manufacturing to delivery. This helps improve visibility, reduce lead times, and ensure product quality.
Benefits of RFID in transportation
- Increased efficiency: RFID technology can automate many manual processes, reducing errors and improving overall efficiency.
- Improved security: RFID can help prevent theft, loss, and unauthorized access to assets.
- Enhanced customer experience: RFID-based systems can provide a more convenient and seamless experience for passengers and customers.
- Real-time data: RFID systems can provide real-time data on asset location, movement, and status, enabling better decision-making.
- Cost savings: RFID can help reduce costs by streamlining operations and improving efficiency.
As RFID technology continues to evolve and become more affordable, its applications in transportation are likely to expand further.
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PHOTO CREDIT. NLEX Corporation. https://nlex.com.ph/2024/08/09/motorists-enjoy-added-travel-convenience-via-the-nlex-connector/#iLightbox[gallery7258]/1
