Easytrip offers pre-booking scheme for RFID

MANILA, Philippines — Easytrip Corp. is launching a scheme called Online RFID Reservation and Appointment System (ORRAS), to provide users of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC)’s expressway network an alternative and pre-booked way to get their RFID sticker.

MPTC said ORRAS would allow expressway motorists to skip long lines by opting to book their RFID sticker installation appointment online.

ORRAS enables a customer to book an appointment date at available installation sites by scanning a QR code and registering in advance.

The customer will then receive a QR code confirmation by email of the exact location, date and time slot. The customer then shows the email confirmation on the appointment date at the selected installation site.

“The idea is to provide other options for motorists who prefer advance booking to get their RFID stickers and avoid the long queues. All they need to do is reserve their slots online even after Dec. 1 to get their RFIDs,” MPTC South president and general manager Roberto Bontia said.

Bontia said motorists can choose their preferred date and time through ORRAS.

“For example, you are going to Tagaytay on Jan. 2, 2021. You can choose that day, the location and the time convenient for you, have your RFID installed and off you go,” he said.

Easytrip, a subsidiary of MPTC, will initially open by appointment-only RFID sticker installation at selected locations in Parañaque City, Las Piñas City, Pasay City, Taguig City, Bacoor City, Biñan City, Sta. Rosa City and Valenzuela City.

MPTC said more online appointment-only locations would be added in the coming months.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has moved the full implementation of its order mandating only cashless mode of payment, or the 100 percent use of electronic payment systems, in expressways to Dec. 1, instead of Nov. 2.

The DOTr said implementing contactless toll payments along expressways is “a matter of extreme importance” in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and cannot be deferred beyond Dec. 1.