Two weeks ago, we reported that a unified toll collection system will come soon. This means that Filipino drivers will be able to use an interoperable and unified road network in our country. Last week, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on the unified toll collection systems was offcially inked.
From now on, traversing many inter-city expressways will truly be a breeze.
On September 15, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the toll roads operators signed the Toll Collection Interoperability Agreement to implement the unified toll collection systems in the Philippines. So for example, upon the completion of the connector roads between NLEX and SLEX, you can hold just one valid ticket for your entire journey through NLEX-SLEX. This means you will only have to purchase a ticket one at the NLEX entry point, and pay once at the SLEX exit point.
The Toll Collection Interoperability Agreement was made formal
Under the Agreement, all respective toll operators are required to make appropriate adjustment to their toll payment systems to make them integrated and interoperable. The 17 firms that manage 13 freeways in Luzon have agreed to work constructively with the government agencies and have made their toll collection systems compatible with existing ones.
The unified toll payment system will be implemented immediately while cash collection systems shall be accepted after 6 months from the formal implement of that commitment.
Our expressway system is a little bizarre when you think about it. However, thankfully the government decided to fix it and change it to a more seamless and comfortable travel experience for folks.
