Starting March 15, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) will reinstate cashless or contactless transactions along the toll expressways, as part of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) issuance of its Department Order No. 2024-022.
The TRB’s advisory earlier this week said the program will be re-implemented starting March 15, 2025, in all toll expressways under its jurisdiction. Moreover, the TRB noted that the program intends to optimize the use of all toll lanes/plazas, by implementing the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) System.
All vehicles travelling along the expressways must have a valid ETC Device or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sticker. Those without a valid ETC Device or RFID sticker would still be allowed to enter the toll lane or plaza but must have the device/sticker installed at the nearest installation site.
The public is also reminded that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) would still issue a Temporary Operator’s Permit or a Show Cause Order for violating the “No Valid ETC Device, No Entry” Policy. This is aligned with the DOTr, LTO, and TRB’s Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2024-001. Violators of the said policy will be meted the corresponding penalties.
Re-implementation to Ease the Flow of Traffic
“It has been observed that the dedicated toll lanes used by cash-paying motorists are usually congested with long lines of motor vehicles, and the same often hamper the fast and efficient flow of traffic leading to the ETC designated lanes. It is expected that a better and more efficient flow of traffic will result once these lanes are strictly used for ETC only,” the TRB said.
All motorists who have yet to avail of the ETC Device or RFID sticker, as advised by the TRB to do so as soon as possible, for problem-free travel along toll expressways.
The TRB assured they would establish more RFID installation sites, loading stations in and out of the toll expressways, and other loading modes for its users, with the policy’s re-implementation. Moreover, the TRB said they would also facilitate and simplify the application and installation procedures.
Free ETC Device/RFID sticker Installation
According to the TRB, the installation of the ETC Device/RFID sticker is free and does not require maintaining balance. Subscribers may load the exact amount of toll fees needed to travel along the expressway.
The public and the policy’s providers are mandated to comply with the policy. Failure to comply with the policy will face corresponding penalties and other sanctions.
