IRENE SINO-CRUZ
With the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corp. (CCLEC) going full-cashless soon, the company introduces a road travel companion app that would make it more convenient for motorists passing through the countryโs longest bridge to manage their RFID accounts.
The CCLEC makes available to Cebu Cordova Link Express (CCLEX) motorists the MPT DriveHub, an app developed by its parent company, the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC).
During a media roundtable held on Wednesday, representatives from both MPT DriveHub and the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) briefed the Cebu media on the app and the ways in which it can change the way Cebuanos manage their trips at the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).
Allan G. Alfon, President and General Manager of Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation
โWhile we anticipate some hesitation from the public to make the technological switch, we believe that this new system will greatly improve not just drives, but lives,โ says Rodrigo E. Franco, President of MPT Mobility and CEO of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC). โThe current features are just some of many mobility solutions weโre excited to offer Cebuanos. Weโre a mobile culture overall; it is only right to do as much as we can to improve and enhance the Pinoy travelling experience.โ
The app, which can be downloaded for free on Apple App Store and Google Play Store, enables the motorists to link their RFID and have access to features such as real-time RFID load and reloading in just a few taps; RFID balance inquiry; view transaction history and the CCLEX toll matrix.
โThis partnership is important because mobility is important,โ says Allan G. Alfon, President and General Manager of Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC).
โThe CCLEX itself is not just a way to get from one place to another, but also a testament to how much Cebu has grown; itโs a mark of our progress. In a similar way, MPT DriveHub is a mark of how driving and our needs around it have changed, but we look forward to seeing it upgrade the ride and customer experience,โ Alfon pointed out.
Downloading MPT DriveHub app
MPT DriveHub app can be downloaded now for free from the Google Play Store for Android users and Apple Store.
Once downloaded, motorists can create an account by uploading or scanning the ORRAS (Online RFID Registration and Appointment Service) QR code then verifying their information by keying in the OTP (one time password) sent in their email. If the OTP email is not received in their inbox, motorists are advised to check the spam folder.
Donald Saurombe, Assistant Vice President for Business Development of MPT DriveHub
After the OTP verification, their RFID account details and vehicle details will be automatically retrieved from their previously registered ORRAS information.
For motorists who do not have their ORRAS QR code readily available, they may opt to sign up for MPT DriveHub through their email address.
Through the MPT DriveHub, motorists can load and reload faster and in real-time by using either a credit card, debit card, and Maya. They can also track their balance and spending history with just a few taps.
CCLEX users can also load and reload their RFID accounts at the CCLEX Customer Service Centers (CSC). Loading at the CSCs, located near the Toll Plaza, can be made through cash, debit card, credit card, and Maya.
Motorists can also top up their RFID accounts (through debit card and credit card only) at the CCLEX RFID installation sites located in SM Seaside City Cebu and The Outlets at Pueblo Verde.
Negotiating for lower reloading charges
CCLEX users can also load and reload their RFID account in the app by using either a credit card, debit card, and Maya. The banks, however, charges 1.9 percent on reloading of RFID accounts.
Meanwhile, Gines Barot, Assistant Vice President for MPT DriveHub Operations, said they are now talking to top biggest banks as well as e-wallets on the possibility of charging flat fees on the reloading of RFID accounts. At present, the banks charges 1.9 percent reloading fee.
Gines Barot, Assistant Vice President for MPT DriveHub Operations
โNothing really goes to DriveHub or MPTC. We just want to make sure that nothing extra is charged to the customers and it can be made available to them the least amount of fee as possible,โ Barot said. โAlso, beyond that we want to assure DriveHub users that this is something urgent to us.โ
He added that MPT DriveHub is also working on the integration to banks and financial institution that would allow a fixed convenience fee for reloading, which is a top priority.
Meanwhile, more features will be added to the app such as the Motorists marketplace, insurance coverage, roadside assistance, parking access, e-wallet services and electric vehicle charging assistance.
Two of these features could also be made available to CCLEX motorists possibly by the end of the year.
With the gradual transition of CCLEX to an electronic toll collection system, some toll booths will be converted to RFID-enabled lanes while others will still accept cash payments to accommodate those who still donโt have their RFIDs.
CCLEX RFID registration is ongoing through cclex.com.ph and the installation of RFID tags on vehicles is for free.
Now considered the tallest and highest bridgeway structure in the country, CCLEX is a project of CCLEC in partnership with the local government units of Cebu City and Municipality of Cordova.
(L-R) Gines Barot, Donald Saurombe, Allan G. Alfon, and Irene Renรฉe Funtanilla (Senior Marketing Manager of MPT Mobility)
CCLEC is a wholly owned subsidiary of MPTC, the toll road arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), a publicly-listed infrastructure holding company and a member of the MVP Group of Companies.
MPTC is the largest toll road concessionaire and operator in the Philippines. The companyโs expansion goals include establishing toll operations in the Visayas, other parts of the Philippines, and in neighboring countries, notably Vietnam, and Indonesia.
