As announced earlier, Touch ‘n Go has halted the sale of its SmartTAG devices (model OBU 330) starting today, 8 August 2018. This is in preparation to fully migrate to a RFID (radio frequency identification) system in January next year.
While the sales of the SmartTAG devices have been halted, existing SmartTAG devices can still be used on tolled highways.
The RFID system is similar to Singapore’s Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system. The system is a superior system to the long-standing card and SmartTAG system currently employed on tolled highways.
With RFID, stop time at all toll booths may be completely eliminated.
RFID works similarly to barcode scanning where the passive tag/sticker installed in a vehicle is read by an overhead scanner via electromagnetic waves.
By the way, the RFID sticker can only be installed by certified Touch ‘n Go installers.
The RFID sticker is linked to the Touch ‘n Go e-wallet and mobile app. The app will enable users to easily monitor and manage their balance, and top-up credit via debit/credit cards or online banking.
Starting 3 September, Touch ‘n Go will be kicking off an RFID pilot phase with members of the public. Those interested to participate in the pilot project can head to the official Touch ‘n Go website to pre-register.
Pre-registered users will be prompted with an email to register their vehicle information and to schedule appointments for RFID installations.
The list of highways with RFID lanes in the Klang Valley include:
- Kuala Lumpur – Karak Expressway (KLK)
- Damansara – Puchong Expressway (LDP)
- Kemuning – Shah Alam Highway (LKSA)
- Cheras – Kajang Highway (GRANDSAGA)
- Lebuhraya Grand Sepadu (GRANDSEPADU)
- Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS)
- Kajang Dispersal Link Expressway (SILK)
- Maju Expressway (MEX)
- Duta – Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE)
- Stormwater Management And Road Tunnel (SMART)
- New Pantai Expressway (NPE)
- Besraya Expressway (BESRAYA)
- Sistem Penyuraian Trafik KL Barat (SPRINT)
- Kuala Lumpur – Kuala Selangor Expressway (LATAR)
- Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH)
- Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE)
In April this year, it was said that the Malaysian Government was discussing with Touch ‘n Go to distribute RFID stickers to locally-registered cars for free.
VIA SoyaCincau – BM | Header image: Paultan.org
