DOTr Postpones Implementation of Revised Toll Guidelines to 2025

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has once again delayed the enforcement of revised guidelines for toll expressways, pushing the start date to January 2025. The guidelines, outlined in Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2024-001, include mandatory cashless toll collection via Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).

Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista explained the delay is to ensure a thorough review of the guidelines to better address congestion and meet motorists’ needs. The revised rules were initially set for implementation on August 31, 2024, before being postponed to October 1, and now to next year.

While the program will be implemented without penalties at first, Bautista noted that data from public consultations and violators will be analyzed to determine if amendments are needed.