On his first day as Transportation Secretary, Vince Dizon made an immediate impact by ordering the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) to suspend the mandatory cashless system on toll roads.

His decision, which he justified as a pro-poor move, comes amid widespread complaints about the inefficiencies of the radio frequency identification (RFID) system, malfunctioning barriers and the unnecessary burden placed on motorists.

Dizon’s move signals a policy shift aimed at making transportation systems more accessible and efficient for all Filipinos. It reflects concerns that the mandatory cashless system disproportionately affects lower-income motorists.

Many Filipinos do not even have bank accounts or access to digital payment systems, making RFID registration and maintenance a significant hurdle. For small business owners, public utility drivers and occasional toll road users, the forced adoption of cashless transactions adds another layer of inconvenience and financial strain.

In a country where cash transactions still dominate, requiring every motorist to use an electronic payment system without providing adequate alternatives excludes a segment of the population.

Dizon emphasized that government policies should simplify people’s lives, not complicate them. By suspending the mandatory RFID system, he recognizes the need for inclusivity and flexibility in toll payment methods.

Beyond its socio-economic implications, the cashless toll system has been plagued by implementation problems. Many RFID systems have been criticized for their frequent malfunctions, leading to long queues, double charges, and unnecessary fines for motorists. These technical issues undermine the supposed efficiency of the cashless system and instead create more problems than they solve.

Barrier malfunctions are another major concern. Reports of toll gate barriers refusing to lift despite a valid RFID balance have frustrated motorists and caused significant traffic congestion. Instead of easing the flow of vehicles, the flawed system has often led to roadblocks and delays. This inefficiency contradicts the primary goal of digitalization, which is to streamline traffic and improve user experience.

While suspending the mandatory cashless toll system is a significant step, Dizon also emphasized the need to improve RFID and barrier mechanisms. The government cannot simply revert to cash transactions without addressing the core issues plaguing the existing cashless infrastructure. The ultimate goal should be to create a seamless toll payment system that accommodates both digital and traditional payment options.

Improving RFID reliability requires better infrastructure, system upgrades, and rigorous testing before implementation. Toll operators must ensure that RFID scanners are functional, minimize errors, and offer better customer support for motorists facing technical issues. Additionally, barrier mechanisms should be upgraded to ensure smooth passage without unnecessary stoppages.

A hybrid system that allows both RFID and cash transactions could be a more balanced approach. Instead of forcing digitalization, the government should provide incentives for voluntary RFID adoption while maintaining cash lanes for those who still prefer traditional payment methods. This ensures that technology serves the people rather than becoming an obstacle to their daily lives.

Therefore, Vince Dizon’s decision to suspend the mandatory cashless toll system is a significant move towards a more inclusive and efficient transportation system in the Philippines. His stance acknowledges the financial limitations of many Filipinos and the persistent technical flaws of the RFID system.

While digitalization is inevitable, it must be implemented in a way that does not exclude or burden the public. Moving forward, the government should focus on refining the RFID system, improving toll infrastructure, and ensuring that transportation policies truly benefit all Filipinos, regardless of economic status.