Photo credit: TRB

The Toll Regulatory Board's (TRB) recent decision to impose penalties on motorists who lack RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) devices or have insufficient load is not just deeply concerning—it's a clear example of misguided government policy that unfairly targets those already struggling with economic hardships.

RFID technology uses radio waves to automatically identify and track objects. In toll collection, RFID systems employ small electronic tags attached to vehicles, which communicate with RFID readers at toll booths or roadways to process transactions quickly and efficiently.

This system aims to streamline toll collection by reducing physical interaction, such as cash payments or card swipes. However, the current implementation is flawed, and the policy of penalizing drivers exacerbates these issues.

While the intention to streamline traffic and reduce congestion is understandable, this policy is flawed and unjust for several reasons.

First, the RFID system currently in place is riddled with issues. Many motorists have reported instances where barriers fail to lift due to system errors or missing loads, even when their accounts have sufficient balance.

Yet, will the operators responsible for these faulty systems face any penalties? It seems grossly unfair to penalize motorists for a system that is unreliable and beyond their control.

Second, the government's role should be to protect the welfare of its citizens, not to favor private operators who are making substantial profits from this business at the expense of motorists.

By enforcing these penalties, the government is effectively shifting the burden onto drivers instead of addressing the root causes of the problem. It should focus on ensuring that RFID systems are both reliable and efficient before even considering penalties.

Furthermore, these penalties will only exacerbate the financial burdens already faced by motorists, who are dealing with high fuel prices and other economic challenges. Instead of finding ways to alleviate these pressures, the government is allowing a flawed system to punish them further.

For example, there have been numerous cases where vehicles without an RFID device are allowed to pass through entry points without being issued a ticket due to unmanned lanes.

This oversight causes significant delays at exit points, as toll fees cannot be accurately calculated. This inefficiency not only frustrates motorists but also contributes to the very congestion the TRB claims to be addressing.

In addition to addressing these system errors, the government should work toward creating a truly unified toll collection system across all operators, which would eliminate the need for motorists to manage multiple accounts and balances.

Simplifying the process would go a long way toward achieving the seamless experience that was originally promised.

Routine maintenance and regular system checks are also essential to ensure that the RFID technology functions optimally and that potential issues are resolved before they inconvenience motorists.

Moreover, there needs to be clear accountability for toll operators, who are benefiting financially from this business. If system errors occur, operators should face consequences, including financial penalties, to ensure they maintain high standards of service.

Enhancing customer support channels is also crucial so that motorists can easily report issues and receive timely resolutions, helping to rebuild trust in the system. Educating the public on how to manage their RFID accounts properly would further reduce user errors and instances of insufficient load or device malfunctions.

Before imposing any penalties, the TRB and other relevant agencies must first address these critical issues and ensure that the RFID systems are functioning properly. What should have been a convenient system has instead become a source of irritation and delay for many drivers.

The goal of reducing traffic congestion is commendable, but the current approach of penalizing motorists without first fixing the inherent flaws in the system is not just counterproductive—it’s a grave mistake.

The government must scrap this misguided policy immediately and redirect its efforts toward resolving the root issues with the RFID system. By continuing down this path, the government risks not only exacerbating the hardships faced by motorists but also eroding public trust.

It’s time for the government to listen to its citizens, prioritize their welfare, and develop a solution that truly benefits everyone. Anything less is unacceptable.

Ed Javier

Ed Javier is a veteran communicator with over 34 years of professional experience both in the private and public sectors. He is also an entrepreneur, political analyst, newspaper columnist, broadcast and on-line journalist.