Go slow with RFID system

I REFER to the recent news about the addition of radio frequency identification (RFID) toll booths along the main stretch of the North-South Highway starting Jan 15, 2022. The addition of the RFID lanes will coincide with the eventual phasing out of Touch ‘n Go and SmartTAG toll collection.

Personally, I feel the RFID system still needs further study and assessments before it is fully implemented. I have seen more cars getting stuck on the RFID lane compared to the Touch ‘n Go and SmartTag lanes.

The service provider must be ready to efficiently support the system when it is fully in place to ensure that the millions of highway users can use it without any hassles. One of my friends who uses the RFID faces quite a number of troubles passing through the RFID lane.

When the system was first introduced, I was optimistic about its performance as a toll collection system. But after hearing some worrying experiences from people around me, I decided to hold off switching to it from my present system. I think a staggered implementation should be better so that the kinks can be ironed out along the way.

Furthermore, elderly motorists might encounter problems creating and reloading the eWallet that is part of the system. It would be a lot better if the existing Touch ‘n Go card can be linked to an online reload system. The physical card can still be used at many other terminals, such as parking at malls or hotels.

Allowing debit/credit cards to be used as part of the toll collection system might be a better option to avoid more hassles for highway users. I am not rejecting the idea of RFID but rather expressing my concerns on the readiness of both the service provider and highways users for it. As such, I hope the respective agencies will carry out further studies on the feasibility and readiness of the system before fully implementing it.

FREQUENT HIGHWAY USER

Kuala Lumpur