Now that Contact ‘n Go has entered the multi-lane quick move (MLFF) area – because it was sure to do given its near-monopoly of toll funds – freeway concessionaires now have a companion to assist implement a barrier-less, high-speed toll assortment system. But it surely received’t be all easy crusing, as this time across the mentioned concessionaires have the power to buy round for an answer that works for them.
One freeway operator that has determined to go its personal means is PLUS Malaysia, which is ready to trial its computerized quantity plate recognition (ANPR) system on the North-South Freeway this month, utilizing its JustGo app for funds. Now, this clearly begs the query – does this imply there can be a number of competing MLFF toll assortment programs? And if that’s the case, does that imply us Malaysians must obtain a separate app for every of our nation’s quite a few highways?
Earlier than we get forward of ourselves, let’s take a look at how every system operates. The MLFF answer that Contact ‘n Go is at present piloting on the Kemuning-Shah Alam Freeway (LKSA) retains the RFID tags the corporate at present makes use of, however provides a brand new reader and a high-powered antenna from Star Methods Worldwide (SSI). This permits the system to learn tags extra precisely and reliably – addressing the primary downside of the present RFID setup.
That is supported by an ANPR digital camera and a 3D lidar sensor as a fallback, serving to to detect the automobiles that handle to slide by means of the cracks. In response to SSI, the pilot system – which makes use of information from a close-by toll plaza for validation – achieved 100% car detection and has learn over 99.98% of current TnG RFID tags.
The most important benefit of TnG’s system is that it integrates a fee technique that already exists – the RFID and eWallet mixture that’s used for the overwhelming majority of highways right here. Prospects is not going to must get new tags or set up a brand new software, sidestepping the trouble of adopting a brand new system. Nevertheless, it stays to be seen if TnG’s answer works in addition to it (or no less than its companion) claims, given the problems which have dogged the present RFID system for toll funds.
In the meantime, PLUS’ system solely makes use of ANPR know-how and reportedly works with the cameras already put in at its toll cubicles for surveillance, allotting with the necessity for RFID tags, readers and antennas. All that’s required is a legible quantity plate which, let’s be actual, is less complicated mentioned than performed in Malaysia.
The JustGo app is required to register for the system, however in contrast to the Contact ‘n Go eWallet app, this isn’t an digital pockets in and of itself – customers might want to hyperlink it with their fee technique of their alternative, together with credit score/debit playing cards and, crucially, the TnG eWallet itself. Each apps function digital know your buyer (eKYC) know-how for account verification, stopping unauthorised transactions.
The tactic chosen by PLUS requires a bit extra effort on the consumer’s half however must be more cost effective for the corporate to implement, because it received’t need to pay for costly RFID tools. The power to make use of a TnG eWallet as one of many fee strategies additionally eliminates having to maintain monitor of a number of accounts.
We must always level out that the ANPR system is at present being trialled with boundaries nonetheless in place, so it’s unclear if the know-how is ready to be scaled as much as a full-blown MLFF setup with a number of lanes of fast-moving site visitors.
Relying solely on quantity plates for recognition additionally opens up the system to the potential of unscrupulous motorists gaming it – witness the latest case of 1 street consumer manipulating their plate quantity to evade quite a few fines from AWAS velocity cameras, just by eradicating a single letter. As for the draw back to customers, properly, it’s yet one more app to obtain…
Which brings us to our principal concern – if every of the 33 freeway concessionaires select to implement their very own competing MLFF system, does that imply we’ll all need to obtain 33 separate apps? We definitely hope not, and we count on the federal government to intervene earlier than the state of affairs will get out of hand.
To be sincere, we’re not stunned that TnG and PLUS have determined to go their separate methods, on condition that the 2 corporations have a historical past of sparring on the subject of toll fee strategies. In 2018, not lengthy after TnG revealed its RFID system, PLUS introduced its plan to introduce a competing product – just for TnG mother or father CIMB to search an injunction blocking the transfer, citing a breach of contract. Initially, PLUS mentioned its RFID system didn’t run afoul of any settlement, however it deserted the challenge quickly after anyway.
Even now, having finally adopted TnG’s RFID setup, PLUS is constant to drag its ft with the implementation of the PayDirect system, which permits toll fares to be deducted instantly from a consumer’s eWallet. Even the works ministry has needed to step in, instructing PLUS to allow PayDirect on the North-South Freeway by this month. Which MLFF system are you supporting? Tell us within the feedback.
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