THE North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation has completed the installation of radio-frequency identification (RFID) early detection features in 188 toll lanes.
This completes the current RFID upgrading project at the toll lane level throughout the entire NLEX and Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) network.
Aimed at boosting RFID detection capability and improving the overall customer experience at the toll gates, the project involved a thorough engineering review that identified the best possible positioning of the RFID antennas and sensors to quickly detect the RFID stickers installed in customers’ vehicles.
With this development, the number of NLEX-SCTEX toll lanes with advanced reading features increases to 188, as 132 antennas were realigned last year and additional 56 this year.
Compared to the previous setup, the enhanced RFID scanners can detect up to three vehicles in advance, quickly identify, record and process the toll lane transactions.
“Part of our commitment to our customers is to consistently improve our electronic systems and services, providing them with a better experience each time they travel. Together with the entire Metro Pacific Tollways (MPTC) group, we have made major improvements in our RFID system, ensuring that these systems are updated, and the right processes are in place,” NLEX Corporation President and General Manager J. Luigi Bautista said.
Toll Regulatory Board Executive Director Alvin Carullo agreed that these improvements are vital in ensuring that NLEX and SCTEX customers will be served the best way possible.
“We welcome these developments and continuous enhancements being undertaken by NLEX and MPTC for the benefit of the motoring public. And we envision that soon, our goal of having 100 percent cashless transactions in all expressways will become a reality,” Carullo said.
Aside from the RFID system upgrade, driver-friendly contactless terminals were also installed to address RFID scanner glitches; customers just need to tap their Easytrip card at these terminals to avoid unnecessary queuing at the toll lanes. Toll plaza personnel are also equipped with wireless handheld RFID scanners to process the RFID transactions as an additional measure.
To further simplify customer access to their accounts, NLEX parent company, MPTC, has recently launched the RFID account balance checking via SMS. RFID subscribers only need to text BAL
MPTC has also introduced the country’s first toll top-up using mobile load in partnership with Smart Communications. To reload, subscribers just have to key in EASY[DENOMINATION]
In March, MPTC upgraded its customer account management system that enabled RFID subscribers to generate their own statement of account and enroll in the automatic debit arrangement to ensure sufficient load balance.
NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of the MPTC, the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation.