Electronic toll collection is nothing new to us. It’s been around for years, and despite the occasional glitches, these prepaid transponders have made traversing our Expressways more bearable. Designated lanes, shorter queues, speedier barrier-clearing times, and most importantly not having to fumble for exact change are just some of the selling points of these electronic tags. But even with all these advantages, it makes you wonder how come the majority of the vehicles that ply our tollways still don’t have these devices.
Sad to say, it is all about economics. On average, motorists have to shell out around PHP 2,000 per device: PHP 1,700 for the transponder, and PHP 300 initial load. Plus, if you live in the south and work in the north (and can’t relocate), you will need two devices because they are run by two separate entities and interoperability isn’t a thing yet. To save on costs, (although not advised) these devices can actually be transferred from one vehicle to another, but you will need to remember to always have the device with you, and that’s quite a hassle.
Enter EasyDrive, the first RFID sticker tag in the country to be used in electronic toll collection. First introduced at the Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) in July 2014, EasyDrive does away with expensive and bulky transponders, and makes use of a more affordable RFID sticker tag that can be mounted on either the interior windshield of a vehicle, or on its headlamp.
Each EasyDrive kit costs PHP400 inclusive of the sticker pack, its processing fee, and an initial load of PHP200. Each packet contains the sticker tag, instructions on how and where to install the sticker, a PVC card with a magnetic strip with your account details, as well as little stickers with your account number and tag serial number to aid you when you reload.
In case you missed it, RFID stands for Radio-Frequency Identification. Using electromagnetic fields, it is used to transfer data wirelessly from a transponder and a receiver that exchanges a digital handshake every time you pass thru an enabled toll booth.
On a recent drive to Hamilo Coast via the CAVITEX, we were lucky enough to chat with Jay Calma who heads operations and business development over at EasyTrip Services Corporation (ESC), the company that powers EasyDrive. If the company name rings a bell, it’s because they are also the guys behind EasyTrip, the current system being used at the NLEX. We initially had our doubts about the durability of the headlight mounted stick-on, but Calma assured us that if you allow the sticker to cure for 24 hours after installation, it will last just as long as its battery-operated counterparts. Calma also shared that the stickers are manufactured by the 3M company in the US and that one of its security features is that it self-destructs once it is detached from its original location. Another convenient feature is that multiple tags can be linked to one main account, and you can opt for the prepaid option or link it to your credit card for worry-free payment.
To get your own EasyDrive RFID, you need to visit the CAVITEX Drive-thru Customer Service Centers (Southbound and Northbound) before the Parañaque/Coastal Toll Plaza or the EasyTrip Satellite Office located at Caltex Pamplona 3, Las Piñas City. Aside from these locations, topping-up is also available via reloading stations all over Luzon including LBC, Bayad Centers, TouchPay, Smart Money, selected SM Business Centers, Bancnet, and thru major credit cards.
The EasyDrive RFID is currently available for Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 vehicles traversing the CAVITEX, but will hopefully roll out in the NLEX by the end of the year.
EasyTrip Services Corporation (ESC), the brainchild of French company, EGIS Projects, powers EasyDrive. ESC is part of the Metro Pacific Group of Companies and was incorporated in 2007. For more details, please visit www.easytrip.ph or call (02) 555 7575.