Being a long-time resident of Southern Metro Manila and then Southern Luzon, using the South Luzon Expressway and the Skyway System is expected. In fact, I cannot imagine life without it. My family and I welcomed every improvement and convenience introduced with its continued development. One of these is the E-PASS.

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What is E-PASS?

E-PASS is a small electronic transponder attached to the windshields of cars to facilitate faster entry and exit of toll facilities. Instead of grappling for cash and coins every time, vehicles with E-PASS simply have to slow down to allow the transponder to be read by the antenna at the toll plaza. The vehicle owner’s account is then identified and the appropriate toll rate is deducted from the prepaid account.

Of course, an E-PASS account has to be established first. The record of transactions will be seen on a monthly statement. Essentially, the statement provides a listing of points of entry and exit with corresponding rates. Accounts can be replenished at designated centers.

The Advantages of E-PASS

The introduction of the E-PASS meant less waiting time for motorists. This is not only true for those who have the transponder but also for those who don’t, since that would mean less vehicles waiting in line to pay toll the traditional way. It is clearly a win-win situation especially with the continually growing number of vehicles on the road.

Although there were some glitches with the use of E-PASS during the early stages, it’s offered advantages soon became evident. That is why I got concerned when I read an article “Bring Back E-PASS Now Edmundo Reyes” which says that SLEX has stopped selling the E-PASS to motorists. With real estate developments booming in the South, we can expect more motorists and commuters to be using the toll facility. That means more beeline for cash tolls where exchange of money equates to longer waiting time.

The No-E-PASS Scenario

I can only imagine what this could mean to people like me whose use of the toll facility is practically part of our lives. Traffic is really bad as it is but if we add to that the normal human rate in performing repetitive tasks such as receiving toll payment and giving the change, then we can expect a drastic slow down in entry and exit, without any or less help from E-PASS lanes. For all intents and purposes, having the E-PASS makes sense.

My Say

I  believe that if something doesn’t work, we should get rid of it but if it helps, we should improve it. I view the E-PASS as the latter. I certainly hope that the sale of E-PASS resumes soon.