The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) on Wednesday reminded motorists traveling this Holy Week that cash payments are still permitted on expressways.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH's Dos Por Dos, TRB spokesperson Julius Corpuz stated that the implementation of cashless payments has been temporarily deferred.
This comes after Transport Secretary Vince Dizon ordered its suspension to enable a more thorough review of the new toll payment system.
Based on data from the TRB, 3 to 5 percent of motorists still lack Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, and about 4 percent, though RFID-equipped, continue to make occasional cash payments.
In line with this, Corpuz urged motorists who intend to pay in cash to proceed to designated cash lanes to avoid slowing down the traffic flow at toll gates.
Meanwhile, Corpuz assured the public that expressways across the country, are prepared for the anticipated traffic surge this Holy Wednesday.
“Nakaantabay po ang mga medical personnel, ambulance, may mga mekaniko, may mga personnel sa ating mga toll plaza at mga ambulant tellers, may mga tow trucks na pre-positioned, mga mga fire trucks na on stand by rin kung sakaling kinakailangan. May mga quick reaction teams na tutulong sa mga motorists,” Corpuz mentioned.
“Ayun nga po, maraming measures gaya ng counterflow measures kung kinakailangang ibigay sa ating mga motorista kung nagbibigat na po ang daloy ng traffic,” he added.
Corpuz further reminded motorists to keep the following hotline numbers in mind in case of any roadside concerns or emergencies:
- NLEX, SCTEX, CALAX, CAVITEX: (02) 1-35000
- SKYWAY, NAIAX, SLEX, TPLEX, STAR: (02) 5318-8655
- MCX: (02) 7795-1629
- TRB: 0962 055 1521
