A lenient Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) on Sunday announced that major toll expressways will reinstate cashless and contactless toll collection starting March 15, 2025, in accordance with regulatory efforts to streamline traffic flow and improve toll operations.
Under the new TRB directive, all motorists must have valid electronic toll collection (ETC) devices or radio frequency identification (RFID) stickers installed on their vehicles to use the toll lanes. The implementation of the cashless payment system is expected to optimize toll plaza operations by minimizing congestion and ensuring smoother traffic movement.
Motor vehicles without valid ETC devices or RFID stickers will still be allowed to pass through toll plazas. However, these vehicles must install an ETC/RFID device on-site, and may be issued a temporary operator’s permit or a show cause order under the “No Valid ETC Device, No Entry” policy, as outlined in the DOTr/LTO/TRB Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2024-001.
“The LTO, through its deputized personnel, will take necessary enforcement actions, including issuing penalties for non-compliance,” the TRB said.
The board explained that cash-paying lanes, often congested, hinder efficient traffic flow, and the transition to exclusive ETC lanes is expected to alleviate such delays.
San Miguel Corporation (SMC) voiced strong support for the reimplementation, emphasizing the policy’s role in improving traffic conditions, ensuring safer travel, and enhancing operational efficiency at toll facilities.
While 97 percent of expressway users already utilize RFID for toll payments, the TRB encourages the remaining 3 percent of motorists still using cash to switch to RFID for a faster and more convenient toll experience. SMC assured continued improvements to support the policy’s goals and provide better travel experiences for all motorists.
The TRB in 2020 proved lenient when it suspended the mandatory cashless toll collection program due ostensibly to operational challenges. During this period, vehicles without RFID stickers were permitted to pass through toll plazas, and cash lanes were reintroduced to accommodate motorists without RFID tags.
The reimplementation looks to optimize toll lane usage and improve traffic flow by encouraging the use of cashless transactions. The TRB emphasized that the installation of RFID stickers is free, with no maintaining balance required, and encourages motorists to install their RFID stickers promptly to avoid penalties and ensure a smooth travel experience along toll expressways.
