Now that Contact ‘n Go has entered the multi-lane quick circulation (MLFF) area – because it was certain to do given its near-monopoly of toll funds – freeway concessionaires now have a associate to assist implement a barrier-less, high-speed toll assortment system. Nevertheless it gained’t be all easy crusing, as this time across the mentioned concessionaires have the flexibility 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 about 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 shall be a number of competing MLFF toll assortment methods? And if that’s the case, does that imply us Malaysians should 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 resolution that Contact ‘n Go is presently piloting on the Kemuning-Shah Alam Freeway (LKSA) retains the RFID tags the corporate presently makes use of, however provides a brand new reader and a high-powered antenna from Star Techniques Worldwide (SSI). This permits the system to learn tags extra precisely and reliably – addressing the primary disadvantage 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 vehicles that handle to slide by the cracks. In response to SSI, the pilot system – which makes use of knowledge from a close-by toll plaza for validation – achieved 100% automobile 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 methodology that already exists – the RFID and eWallet mixture that’s used for the overwhelming majority of highways right here. Prospects won’t have to get new tags or set up a brand new utility, sidestepping the effort of adopting a brand new system. Nevertheless, it stays to be seen if TnG’s resolution works in addition to it (or at the very least its associate) claims, given the problems which have dogged the present RFID system for toll funds.
In the meantime, PLUS’ system solely makes use of ANPR expertise and reportedly works with the cameras already put in at its toll cubicles for surveillance, shelling out 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 accomplished 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 methodology of their selection, together with credit score/debit playing cards and, crucially, the TnG eWallet itself. Each apps function digital know your buyer (eKYC) expertise for account verification, stopping unauthorised transactions.
The tactic chosen by PLUS requires a bit extra effort on the person’s half however needs to be less expensive for the corporate to implement, because it gained’t should pay for costly RFID gear. 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 presently being trialled with boundaries nonetheless in place, so it’s unclear if the expertise 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 opportunity of unscrupulous motorists gaming it – witness the current case of 1 highway person manipulating their plate quantity to evade quite a few fines from AWAS pace cameras, just by eradicating a single letter. As for the draw back to customers, nicely, it’s yet one more app to obtain…
Which brings us to our important concern – if every of the 33 freeway concessionaires select to implement their very own competing MLFF system, does that imply we’ll all should obtain 33 separate apps? We actually hope not, and we anticipate the federal government to intervene earlier than the scenario will get out of hand.
To be trustworthy, we’re not shocked that TnG and PLUS have determined to go their separate methods, provided that the 2 corporations have a historical past of sparring in terms 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 dad or mum 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, but it surely deserted the undertaking 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 allows toll fares to be deducted straight from a person’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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