TRB investigation — too little, too late
THE Toll Regulatory
Board (TRB) recently announced the commencement of an investigation into the widespread malfunctioning of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems observed during the Holy Week period, which led to extensive traffic congestion along major tollways.
However, many view this investigation as a belated response to a long-standing issue. It is widely acknowledged that traffic bottlenecks at tollgates are a daily occurrence in most tollways, not just during peak holiday seasons. Unfortunately, government regulatory bodies like the TRB often seem reactive rather than proactive, waiting for significant disruptions before taking action.
TRB spokesman Julius Corpuz suggested that the failure of RFID systems to read vehicle tags could be attributed to either equipment malfunctions or the poor condition of RFID stickers. While this explanation may suffice for individuals lacking technical expertise, it also highlights the need for greater understanding and accountability within regulatory agencies like the TRB.
RFID system
How does an RFID system operate within a tollway? Let’s go into a concise technical overview for a layman.
A fully operational RFID system comprises four essential components: a vehicle-mounted tag, a receiver/transmitter unit situated at the tollgate, a data transmission infrastructure and a computer-based application system.
In the Philippine tollway context, the vehicle tag is passive, meaning it lacks its own power source and relies on energy emitted by the receiver/transmitter unit. This presents the first potential issue: insufficient transmitted energy may fail to activate the tag, rendering it unreadable. Additionally, damage or deterioration of the tag constitutes a second challenge, as it impedes proper energization and subsequent system processing.
Each tag possesses a unique identifier, which is associated with the corresponding vehicle. Vehicle data, including available funds (referred to as “load”), are stored within the databases of the computer system. Deduction of toll fees from the motorist’s balance is executed by the application system using a tracking/monitoring module, which records entry and exit points. However, a third obstacle arises if the computer system experiences downtime, thereby disrupting tracking and monitoring functionalities.
Upon detection, the tag’s identifier is transmitted wirelessly from the receiver/transmitter to a module, which forwards the information to the computer system for processing. Nonetheless, a fourth challenge arises if the wireless communication system malfunctions (said to be “offline”), rendering the reading, tracking, monitoring and updating processes incomplete.
Various technical glitches may occur, leading to additional areas of concern and potential system inefficiencies.
Highway robbery
Yes, you read it correctly — highway robbery. The ManilaCavite Toll Expressway Project (abbreviated as Cavitex), a Metro Pacific tollway, has gained notoriety for what seems like outright theft from its customers.
Motorists traversing this 14-kilometer tollway have voiced numerous complaints regarding disappearing loads and instances of double charging. Despite these grievances, the TRB has remained inert, failing to initiate an investigation into these serious allegations.
Subscribers of Easytrip have been intermittently receiving SMS/text messages from a source account “EASYTRIP.” Here’s an example of such a message sent to a subscriber:
“Hi! Please be advised that an adjustment was made to your Easytrip account 520012345678 on Mar 1, 2024. This is for your uncharged passages for the past 3 days, with a total amount of P350.00. Rest assured that these are not double charges but the result of our validation of your RFID passages. You may review these adjustments in your SOA.”
“Please ensure that you have sufficient balance in your account to avoid inconvenience. For inquiries, call us at 1-35000. Thank you for your understanding.” Another version of this SMS/text message reads as follows: “Hi! Please be advised that an adjustment will be made to your Easytrip account 520012345678 on Mar 20, 2024. This is for your uncharged CAVITEX passages from March 6-13, 2024 with a total amount of P210.00. Rest assured that this is a result of our in-depth validation of your RFID passages. You may view these adjustments in your SOA within 24 hours.”
Uncharged Cavitex passages? This implies that their system was nonoperational during those periods. Result of an in-depth validation? How exactly did they validate these passages? Can they guarantee the accuracy of the charges and ensure they are allocated to the correct subscriber? Viewing the SOA within 24 hours? Which statement of account (SOA) are they referring to? Most Easytrip users struggle to access their SOA, further constrained by a narrow 24-hour time frame.
Who would believe there hasn’t been any double charging with these dubious practices of Cavitex?
The TRB should step up and dig deeply into this mess. Its investigation comes too little, too late.
In memoriam
In esteemed memory of lawyer Hubert Dominic Guevara, who peacefully passed away on March 29, 2024. He was 56 years old.
I had the privilege of knowing Hubert through our shared passion for electoral reform. Over the years, we collaborated on numerous platforms dedicated to addressing the challenges of automated elections in the Philippines. There were even instances that we co-hosted conferences, working tirelessly to shed light on the issues plaguing our automated elections system. Our last significant conversation took place during the National Election Summit in March 2023.
Hubert’s dedication to electoral integrity and his unwavering commitment to this advocacy will forever leave a void in the hearts of his fellow electoral reform advocates and friends.
May his soul find eternal peace in the embrace of the divine.