PETALING JAYA: From April 26 onwards, cash transaction at tolls on all PLUS-operated highways will no longer be accepted, as a cashless system using PLUSMiles cards, Touch ‘n Go cards and SmartTAGs takes effect.
PLUS Managing Director, Datuk Azman Ismail said the final phase of the fully-electronic toll transaction initiative will involve 71 more toll plazas between Juru and Skudai on the North-South Expressway.
“Beginning 26 April, all toll plazas on all PLUS-operated highways will be operating electronically. The same initiative was successfully implemented in stages at several other locations along the main line since 2008”, he said.
Based on records, 94 per cent of users currently plying the Juru-Skudai stretch pay toll electronically, he added.
“As such, we advise highway users who have yet to get the electronic cards to purchase them at any PLUS customer service centre along the highway before April 26,” Azman said.
He said that paying toll electronically is much faster and easier than paying by cash.
“A SmartTAG and a Touch ‘n Go lane can accommodate up to 1,000 and 600 transactions, respectively, in an hour. An Exit Cash lane, on the other hand, can only cater to 180 motorists per hour,” he explained.
Azman also added that in implementing the initiative, PLUS also takes cognizance of what has happened in the past and are aggressively working towards ensuring minimal or zero downtime.
Highway users have welcomed the move, citing the ease of transactions, time saved and smoother journeys.
Mohd Akhib Mohd Hashim, from Alor Star, views the move as part of an effort to facilitate smoother toll transactions at toll plazas.
“As an Electronic Toll Collection system user, I can avoid long queues at toll plazas. It saves my time and I hope that PLUS will open up more SmartTAG lanes at the toll plazas,” he said.
Isma Suhaila Ismail, from Ayer Keroh, said she hopes that the move could help reduce traffic congestion at the Ayer Keroh Toll Plaza on weekends and long holidays.
“The implementation of the fully-electronic toll transaction can reduce congestion at Ayer Keroh, the main entry point to Malacca from the highway,” she said.