To cope with the increased number of motorists wanting to avail of free Autosweep RFID stickers before the December 1, 2020 deadline for full implementation of cashless toll collection at major expressways, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is putting up 100 additional RFID installation sites to cater to motorists from both southern and northern Metro Manila and beyond.
While Ang emphasized that while motorists will still be able to get RFID stickers even after the implementation of the government mandate for cashless transactions, SMC is implementing measures to accommodate the large volume of applications.
Among these are:
- Further increasing manpower and equipment to fast-track the pre-enrollment and pre-activation of new Autosweep kits.
- Extending installation hours within the carriageway to 24 hours, seven days a week. This includes the Skyway Runway Plaza, Old NAIAX toll plaza, C5 toll plaza, and Nichols and Calamba toll plazas.
- Activation of 100 new installation sites immediately, as soon as the expected bulk delivery of RFID stickers are received.
- Increasing tag allocation at the 52 existing sites
- Increasing offsite installation at barangays, villages, etc.
Ang added that once enough additional installation sites have been opened, the current Autosweep Online Appointment system will be modified to accommodate requests to hold Autosweep RFID Caravans in LGUS, villages, and malls. Autosweep stations will also start accepting walk-in applicants again, with strict implementation of safety and health protocols. Special handling will also be provided for those who already booked through an online appointment.
Aside from the opening of the stations, the company is also expecting delivery of its RFID Mobile Wing Vans that will enable Autosweep personnel to go to more areas and conduct installation activities.
Ang acknowledged the inconvenience that many motorists have experienced in securing RFID stickers from tollways operators. In the case of SMC tollways, the spike in applications coupled with production and delivery issues from suppliers due to the pandemic caused some of the issues.
“I would like to apologize to our motorists for any inconvenience. While our people are doing their best, and have been able to cater to majority of users, we also know that for many, it has been an unpleasant experience. We ask for your continued patience as we transition to a cashless mode and help further contain the spread of the virus and protect our motorists,” Ang said.
Ang committed to putting up more installation sites in the north, given the huge increase in applications from non-regular users from the north who want to secure their free stickers. He added that SMC’s Infrastructure unit saw a huge spike in applications in October, as the initial November 2 implementation set by government, approached. With the implementation moved to Dec. 1, 2020, they then experienced a larger-than-expected volume of applications from non-regular users of its expressways—STAR, SLEX, Skyway, NAIAX, and TPLEX.
“Traditionally, because most of our expressways—SLEX, STAR, SKYWAY, NAIAX—are in the south, the vast majority of our users are in the south. However, we have received so many inquiries, requests, and applications from non-regular users in the north, so we are increasing the number of installation sites there,” Ang said.
“Our main objective is to serve as many motorists as possible, in the most efficient way we can. We thank our motorists, and ask for their consideration, patience, and cooperation. Sama-sama, magtulungan po tayo,” he added.