THE Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection (LCSP) is urging the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) to introduce more toll payment options alongside the existing RFID system.

Earlier this month, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon set a timeline for Metro Pacific Tollways and San Miguel Corporation to resolve RFID operational concerns by the first half of 2026. He also emphasized that full interoperability—where a single RFID sticker works across all tollways—requires resolving expressway connection issues first.

While RFID has brought convenience to many motorists, the issues surrounding it are not new. These concerns have been raised repeatedly over the years, yet they remain unaddressed—causing daily inconvenience for thousands of drivers. These recurring problems include:

a)    Occasional delays in barrier lifting

b)    Unexplained balance deductions

c)     Unreadable RFID stickers

d)    The “floating money” issue—funds loaded but not immediately reflected in the system

LCSP believes these long-standing problems should be addressed alongside the introduction of more payment choices. The group points to similar reforms in public transport, where the DOTr announced that LRT and MRT commuters would soon be able to pay fares via credit cards, debit cards, and now with mobile wallets such as GCash and Maya—removing the need for stored-value Beep cards and helping reduce queues.

Applying this approach to tollways would allow:

a)    Exact fare deductions – Only the actual toll is charged, without requiring locked-in balances

b)    Greater convenience – Faster and more flexible reloads via popular digital platforms

c)     Reduced delays – Minimizing congestion from malfunctioning RFID tags

With the Christmas and holiday season fast approaching—when traffic congestion on expressways is expected to worsen—LCSP stresses that action should not be delayed until 2026. Motorists have already endured these RFID-related issues for years and continue to experience them daily. Introducing e-wallet, card, and other digital payment options now would provide greater flexibility, ease traffic bottlenecks, and deliver a smoother travel experience—while still allowing RFID for those who prefer it.

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Atty. Albert N. Sadili

Spokesperson

Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection (LCSP)

09660859816 – Viber and Mobile number