Dizon suspends full cashless tolls, seeks refinements

Tollway operators welcomed Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon's decision to reassess the implementation of cashless toll collection but stressed that full adoption is essential for interoperability.

SMC Infrastructure acknowledged the DoTr chief's initiative, noting its five-year collaboration with the government to enhance tolling efficiency and emphasizing that a uniform cashless system is crucial for interoperability.

Mr. Dizon instructed the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) last week to suspend the full cashless toll system set to begin on March 15, citing a need for further refinement.

Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said his company would meet with Mr. Dizon this week to discuss the suspension and remains committed to working with the government.

Both SMC Infrastructure and Metro Pacific Tollways Corp continue to invest in upgrading toll plazas, with MPTC planning a P1.4 billion upgrade for automatic license plate recognition systems across its toll booths.

The companies remain dedicated to enhancing interoperability among electronic toll collection systems to ensure seamless integration between different toll operators for the benefit of road users.