Multi Lane Free Flow Toll Collection, Are We Ready To Experience Travel Without Toll Booth?

Multi Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll collection, many are still in the dark of its proposed implementation very soon in 2025. So what is MLFF? Simply put, it's the toll collection system we should have had decades ago similar to our closest neighbour Singapore. But instead we have been having to put up with the decades of toll booth crossings which results in massive traffic during peak hours. Imagine having to pay a toll for a “supposingly” speedy highway access only to be stuck in a crawl, the irony of it. 

Oh well, let's not cry over spilled milk, there seems to be light finally in sight in the form of the MLFF toll collection system. The MLFF system is being developed and upkept by TERAS a subsidiary of PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PMB) who were amongst the exhibitors in the recent EVM Asia 2022. The MLFF toll collection gantry system was on displayed to the general public there. 

So, how does it work? Is it similar to the system currently used in Singapore and Indonesia? No clear description was provided but upon closer inspection it does seem very similar except for the In-vehicle Unit (IU), Malaysia uses the current established RFID tags. Let's break down the components making up the MLFF system:

1. RFID Antenna and Reader

This is the key component that communicates with your vehicle to the toll deductions. Neighbours like Singapore use an IU device which is similar to our Smart Tag that reads a cash card while Malaysia would use a RFID sticker to perform the same task while all data and monetary balance would be kept in the users mobile app. 

2. ALPR Camera

Automated Licence Plate Reader (ALPR) would be used to capture all road users passing by and this would be cross referenced with the toll deductions to ensure seamless operation. In Singapore, the ALPR captured images are deleted once it recognises successful transactions hence the same should apply for Malaysia. This camera is also important in capturing errant toll offenders. 

3. Lane Controller

This is used to ensure a seamless operation across all gantry equipment 24/7.

4. IoT Sensors

The Internet-of-Things (IoT) sensor presence in the gantry would facilitate communication between all hardware devices and the cloud (server). It also enables all devices to be truly connected to one another. 

5. Solar Panels

Now the unique thing with Malaysias MLFF toll collection gantries, is the way it would be powered. In accordance with TERAS’s environment, social, and governance (ESG) efforts, all gantries would be powered by renewable energy sources, which is the sun in our case.  

6. Service & Maintenance Access 

This is pretty self explanatory, as it provides access for maintenance and support works of any particular gantry. 

Now, what can we expect when this system is fully operational in 2025, hopefully an end to the traffic congestion which will put hours back into our lives. However, we do foresee some challenges with regards to its implementation. First and foremost, number plates. Local authorities would have to step up and ensure the proper standardised number plates are used by all so that the ALPR cameras would function as intended. This would require massive crackdowns or a centralised number plate issuing agent regulated by the government (cutting out all the private shops now who allow road users to choose fancy fonts and designs). 

Other than that the roll out of RFID has to begin now if the 2025 goal is to be achieved. The government has to play a massive role in this instead of allowing multiple payment modes to road users in the name of convenience and election votes. A dateline has to be set and work towards that. All spectrum of road users has to be addressed including the elderly and folks living in rural areas, Roving teams have to be set-up to be on-ground and push for app download and knowledge dissemination especially to the elderly and non tech savvy. Finally, clear by-pass routes have to be set-up where-ever MLFF toll collection gantry is present for users to access. 

Next lets talk about the enforcement aspect, currently toll payment deferrals can only be charged under Section 8 of the Federal Roads (Private Management) Act 1984. The penalty would be a fine of between RM2,000 and RM5,000 upon conviction. This however is a non criminal offence hence requires the  toll concessionaire to take civil action suit against offenders which is only justifiable if the claimable is of a substantial amount. The government of the day would have to table and change this to a more public focused frame of law. A system such as the one being used in Singapore would be perfect as it gives a certain level of flexibility while being stern.

In Singapore, any vehicle owner passing by a gantry with insufficient amount in their CashCard (similar to TnG and RFID in Malaysia) would receive a fine by post (Malaysia can perhaps use sms/whatsapp/email or even in-app notification route) within two weeks. The user would then have to pay the unpaid toll charges plus a $10 (RM32) administration fee within two weeks of the notice. Users can make payment conveniently either online or at any authorised payment collection agents. Any road users who fail to settle the errant toll payment would be slapped with a penalty of S$70 (RM220) which is issued by registered post to the vehicle owner to be settled within 30 days. Once lapsed, a hefty $1,000 (RM3,200) fine, or one month jail term would be enforced. 

While this may at the surface seem too stern, there is technically no other easy walk-around if mass adoption of the RFID is to be achieved by 2025 to make the MLFF toll collection a success. However, if the MLFF toll collections would eliminate or even reduce all traffic congestions substantially, the benefit of this sternness technically outweigh the negative backlash that is to come from a certain group of road users