TRB conducts SMC Skyway Stage 3 toll readiness test

A Site Acceptance Test (SAT) of the Electronic Toll Collection System of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 was conducted by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), together with the independent consultant, tollway operator and the project concessionaire.

The SAT was done to ensure the toll plaza’s functionality and readiness which encompasses inventory and maintenance of the TCS equipment, Lane Computer System protocols, and Plaza Computer System protocols. The test involves different case scenarios including the processing of exempted vehicles and towed vehicles, as well as the processing of low balance and invalid RFID transaction, among others.

TRB’s newly appointed Executive Director Atty. Alvin A. Carullo explained the importance of conducting the SAT.

“The SAT is important because we need to ensure that the Electronic Toll Collection System will operate properly, especially for toll road users” ED Carullo said.

He added, “Ibig sabihin po, dapat tama po 'yung mga toll rate, tapos po dapat mabilis ang pagbasa sa RFID tag kasi importante ito para maiwasan po 'yung paghaba ng pila sa mga toll plaza at tsaka ang pagkumpul-kumpol ng mga sasakyan (This means that toll rates should be correct and the RFID tag data transferred to the reader promptly so we can prevent congestion at the toll plaza).”

Present during the inspection were DOTr Representative Gen Melquiades Ordiales Jr., TRB Chief of Regulation Division Joz Carlos G. Ordillano, TRB Spokesperson Julius Corpuz, Skyway O&M Corporation President Manuel M. Bonoan, and other representatives from the SMC Tollways.

The elevated expressway covers 18.83 kilometers from Buendia, Makati City to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Balintawak, Quezon City and will play a crucial role in decongesting traffic in Metro Manila, especially along EDSA, CP Garcia (C5), and other major roads in Metro Manila.

Travel time from Buendia to Balintawak will be reduced from two hours to approximately 15 to 20 minutes via the Skyway Stage 3.

As part of the government’s initiative and unwavering commitment in improving the country’s urban transportation system, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the TRB, work tirelessly to develop ways to improve and make public transportation more efficient, reliable, and technology-driven, through cashless payments and a better toll collection system.

Photos from DOTr

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