SANTO DOMINGO. – Cash could cease to be a concern for travelers heading to the interior and other parts of the country, as the RD Vial Trust announced plans to progressively reduce its use at toll stations and move towards the implementation of new technologies through the Paso Rápido electronic payment system.
For over 50 years, the toll collection system in the Dominican Republic has maintained a traditional structure. This transformation raises the question: how will it benefit road users, and what advantages will it offer those traveling on the country's main highways?
Fewer traffic jams and delays on the roads
With this measure, RD Vial aims to expedite traffic at toll plazas, reduce waiting times, and facilitate the movement of citizens using the main roads of the national territory.
The director of the RD Vial Trust, Hostos Rizik Lugo, explained that the strategy seeks to progressively increase the number of users who use Paso Rápido, with the purpose of reducing long lines and avoiding congestion that hinders mobility to different destinations.
This system would allow vehicles to pass through toll stations more quickly, by reducing the transactions associated with traditional cash payments.
What technology will be implemented?
According to the authorities, the collection mechanism will have an electronic device equipped with an antenna that will communicate with the equipment installed at the stations.
This technology will make it possible to verify the available balance in the user's account and automatically authorize the vehicle's passage, which will help make the process more efficient and reduce waiting times.
When will the project begin?
In approximately one month, a press conference led by the relevant authorities is scheduled, in which the implementation plan for the measure will be presented, as well as the actions contemplated to expedite mobility on the roads.
The activity will also serve to provide details about the transition process and guide users on the steps they will need to follow to join the system.
RD Vial launches guidance campaign
Signs have already begun to be placed at toll stations with the aim of informing and raising awareness among citizens about the transition process towards electronic payment.
“There are signs that say: 'This cash lane will soon be eliminated. Get your FastPass pass,'” authorities explained.
The measure represents a step towards the digitization of toll collection on Dominican highways and seeks to offer users a faster and more efficient alternative to make their payments.
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