NLEX upgrades its toll collection system as it starts the installation of automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) and RFID early detection features in more NLEX-SCTEX toll lanes by December 2021 and first quarter of next year, respectively.
These NLEX upgrades, aimed at further improving customer experience, will bring the total number of lanes with ALPR to 95 and with early detection feature to 217.
The ALPR system uses smart cameras that read vehicle license plates for easier matching of motorists’ RFID transactions. Toll lanes in Meycauayan, Bocaue, Balagtas, Tabang, Sta. Rita, San Fernando, and Angeles will be furnished with the new system starting in December 2020. The company has initially implemented the ALPR system in NLEX Balintawak and in Valenzuela City particularly in Mindanao, Karuhatan, and Paso de Blas. Toll lanes in SCTEX Tarlac have also been equipped with the said system.
The ALPR system is also useful in improving safety and enforcing traffic laws as it aids in identifying vehicles passing the RFID lanes without RFID stickers, as well as those with insufficient balance, and vehicles that may pose safety hazards.
Additionally, the data from the ALPR will be used in the future as part of the contactless apprehension policy which NLEX and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) are currently working on.
“Technology keeps on evolving and it is imperative to stay up-to-date and relevant. We continue to innovate and invest in technological advancements as these help us provide paramount service to our motorists,” said NLEX Corporation president and general manager J. Luigi L. Bautista.
Meanwhile, the RFID early detection feature will be implemented in 29 more toll lanes starting January 2022 to boost RFID detection capability. With this, enhanced RFID scanners can detect up to three vehicles in advance and promptly process the toll lane transactions.
Previously, the tollway company’s NLEX upgrades completed the installation of RFID early detection features in 188 toll lanes. It is continuously conducting comprehensive technical audit on its toll lanes to ensure system efficiency.
NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).