Indonesia teaches Malaysia how to do a better RFID toll system

• MLFF to begin operation around Jabodetabek from July 2022
• 3 transaction methods to be implemented
• Can it reduce traffic congestion in Indonesia?

Even though Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is supposed to usher in a new future for toll collection in Malaysia and a step closer to barrier-less toll gantries, it’s still a debatable issue with some questioning its reliability.

Over in Indonesia though, the dream of a Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) highway is close to becoming a reality with the Indonesia Toll Road Authority (BPJT) announcing that the system will begin operation from July 2022.

Just to recap, MLFF allows toll payment transactions to be made while the vehicle is moving, removing the need for toll barriers. This system is used in many countries around the world including Singapore and Australia.

Also read: PLUS: Touch ‘n Go and Smart Tag to remain, at least for now

According to Indonesian media, the MLFF system will be implemented in stages beginning with toll roads around the Jabodetabek area. A full rollout of the barrier-free toll system is planned to take effect across all tolled highways around the archipelago by September 2023.

Interestingly, the Indonesian MLFF system would allow three ways of transactions namely, electronic on-board unit (E-OBU), on-board unit (OBU), and electronic route ticket.

The E-OBU method is connected to a smartphone and is aimed towards drivers and owners who rarely exchange their vehicles. Each vehicle is required to be registered through the MLFF app in order to use the tolls.

Apparently, this system is integrated with various payments. Upon registering, the user can simply turn on the application which will send a GPS signal. By tracking the vehicle’s location, the system will automatically deduct the balance accordingly.

Also read: RFID is supposed to be the future of Malaysian tolls, why is it so hated?

Meanwhile, the OBU method works similar to the E-OBU system except it uses a physical unit similar to the in-car unit (IU) used in Singapore. This method is recommended for frequently used vehicles with multiple drivers – i.e. company cars and rental cars.

The OBU is connected to via GPS which tracks the vehicle’s route and deducts the balance accordingly.

The final payment method is an electronic route ticket which is aimed at users who rarely travel by toll roads. These toll tickets can be purchased online via the BPJT website or through the app itself.

Granted, the way this system works would require a revamp on the existing gantries. This includes equipping them with a camera and software that can identify each passing vehicle. The gantry would send data to the MLFF central system, automatically checking whether the user has registered and paid the tolls.

Also read: FOMCA: RFID is the key to gateless, smoother and faster toll transactions

As the system monitors every vehicle that passes through the toll highways, it will also track down violators by sending fines or sending the data to the relevant authorities. That will teach those tailgating drivers at toll roads a lesson.

Will this faster way of toll collections reduce Indonesia's infamously notorious traffic jams?

Also read: MaxTag/E-Tag maker, EFKON, questions why replace SmartTag with inferior RFID