Electronic toll technology is well developed internationally and electronic toll collection systems (ETC) are widely deployed at many toll plazas around the world, enabling drivers the convenience of non-stop toll payment at toll plazas. ETC systems deployment improves traffic throughput and offers convenience to users as well as to non-ETC users as it frees the toll lanes. Toll concession companies in Malaysia have introduced ETC systems on their highways covering a major portion of the 1,253 kilometers of toll highways in operation. It has initially turned into an issue due to the two distinctly different ETC systems in operation. As a result of which, we have two clearinghouses for toll collection based on the two different ETC systems. Moreover, due to systems incompatibility, users are required to purchase individual transponders of the highway concessionaires. The introduction of different and incompatible ETC systems will be unacceptable to the motoring public, as it would negate the benefits to be derived from ETC systems deployment. The government through the Ministry of Works has initiated efforts to streamline the implementation of ETC systems by requiring the highway concessionaires to subscribe to a common ETC system. By requiring the concessionaires to implement at least the contact less smart card electronic toll collection system at the toll plazas, the step will enable interoperability on a national wide scale by 2003. Recently the government has introduced a national multipurpose smart card project incorporating amongst others a national inter-sector electronic purse scheme. Launched through The Central Bank of Malaysia (BNM), it can be used for making retail purchases and BNM has earlier in the year requested the cooperation of the Ministry of Works in promoting the usage of the electronic purse as a means of paying toll on highways. Collaborated actions have been taken by all sides to make this venture a successful one. The card scheme's wide coverage incorporating everyone aged twelve and above holds great potential in offering a common payment system and finally enabling interoperability on the toll highways.
Samenvatting