KUALA LUMPUR – Mass congestion at several tolls mostly caused by issues with the radio frequency identification (RFID) technology sparked grievances with the payment system on social media platforms.
Yesterday, drivers complained of traffic standstills that began as early as 7am and continued well into the evening rush hour at the Sg Besi, Bandar Seri Putra, and Subang toll plazas.
A video uploaded to TikTok by user @neksu76 captured the traffic jam at the Subang toll plaza in the evening, with a gridlock of cars along the RFID lane.
@neksu76 #rfidchip #rfid #fyp ♬ Always Loving You (Breakbeat) - DJ Lunox
Besides that, Twitter user @azmanrocks said the Smart Tag lanes at toll plazas were converted to RFID lanes, contributing to the gridlock.
“E2 toll in Sg Besi heading south – normally they have three gates for Smart Tag, one gate for RFID and Smart Tag, while the rest are for Touch ‘n Go.
“This morning there are two gates exclusively for RFID, one gate for Smart Tag, and Touch ‘n Go at the others. All RFID lanes are stranded, cars are busy trying to reverse,” he said.
E2 Tol Sg Besi heading south.
— ? Azman Abdullah (@azmanrocks) January 17, 2022
Biasanya buka 3 gate Smart Tag, 1 gate RFID + Smart Tag, selebihnya TnG.
Pagi ni buka 2 gate RFID exclusively, 1 (satu!!!!) gate Smart Tag, selebihnya TnG.
Semua lane RFID terkandas, kereta sibuk nak reverse.
Twitter user @syedmzhafri questioned why the implementation of RFID was being rushed to the detriment of the public.
“Why push on RFID when you know that you are going to have users who will have issues entering with RFID but exiting tolls that do not have RFID?
“Then it will incur more costs because you have to use Touch ‘n Go? And you say you will have PLUS personnel available to scan your card? Mess #RFID.”
Why push on RFID when you know you’re gonna have users who will have issues entering with RFID but exiting tolls that do not have RFID? Then it will incur more costs cause you have to use TNG? And you say you will have PLUS personnel available to scan your card? Mess #RFID
— Syed Zhafri ?? (@syedmzhafri) January 17, 2022
In response to the outcry, the North-South Expressway (PLUS) said in a statement today that staffers will be stationed at RFID lanes to help ease traffic.
“Highway users who experience detection issues at RFID lanes need not worry as toll personnel will be on hand with handheld devices to scan RFID tags.
“Should the tags remain undetectable, a coupon for a full detection diagnostic at the nearest Touch ‘n Go fitment centre will be provided,” PLUS said, adding that Touch ‘n Go will replace the RFID tag at no extra charge if detection issues persist.
The largest expressway provider in Malaysia added that it has doubled up on manpower to assist customers at toll plazas, and improve the visibility of directional signages to increase familiarity with RFID lanes.
PLUS also expressed hope it would bring about a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience, adding that it recorded an encouraging migration rate of 10% RFID transactions after its implementation on January 15.
On December 16, the government announced its decision to implement RFID toll payments on the main stretch of PLUS from Juru, Penang, to Skudai, Johor effective January 15. – The Vibes, January 18, 2022
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