SMC Pushes for Cashless Tolling System to Achieve Full Expressway Interoperability

SMC Infrastructure has reiterated that the full adoption of a cashless tolling system is essential for achieving seamless interoperability across all expressways in the Philippines.

Key Points:

✔️ SMC’s Statement: Since cashless toll collection was introduced five years ago, the private sector and government have worked on improving the system. However, full interoperability between toll operators requires a uniform cashless system.

✔️ Affected Expressways: SMC operates major toll roads, including:

• South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
• Skyway Stage 3
• Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR)
• NAIA Expressway
• Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX)

✔️ Government’s Stand: DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon recently ordered the suspension of the March 15 reimplementation of mandatory cashless tolling, citing the need to evaluate efficiency and concerns that it may be “anti-poor.”

✔️ MPTC’s Take: Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) chairman Manuel Pangilinan confirmed that 90% of motorists on their expressways already use RFID, up from 84% in December 2024. However, he suggested keeping at least one or two cash lanes for motorists who refuse to adopt RFID.

📌 MPTC and SMC are currently in merger talks, with MPTC planning to raise ₱30 billion to ₱50 billion to settle its debt before finalizing the deal.