PLUS RFID Pilot Public Programme trials open payment system to enable drivers to pay with their credit, debit or prepaid cards in the future
Global payment technology firm Visa has joined hands with PLUS Malaysia Berhad in the PLUS RFID programme, a pilot public programme to modernise toll payments in Malaysia. Through this partnership, Visa will be sharing its technological expertise and know-how in contactless digital payments to the programme, which will offer an open payment system at the Penang Bridge, Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (also known as BKE) and Jitra toll plazas.
PLUS RFID features an open payment system which offers flexibility and freedom for Malaysian drivers to pay toll via credit and debit cards. Ultimately, PLUS hopes this will lead to lesser congestion at the toll plazas by minimising delays caused by insufficient balance or failure to top up. The PLUS RFID tag, which is directly linked to drivers’ credit and debit card accounts, will be given free to Malaysian drivers participating in the public pilot programme at Penang Bridge, BKE and Jitra.
Speaking at the launch of the pilot programme, Visa Country Manager for Malaysia, Ng Kong Boon said, “We are extremely pleased to partner with PLUS and participate in the PLUS RFID pilot to enable seamless and convenient payment experiences for motorists in Malaysia. This is an alternative option for motorists to pay for their tolls using any Visa credit, debit or prepaid card, and it is an exciting initiative to expand Visa’s acceptance footprint in Malaysia. We are working closely with PLUS to ensure the process is easy for cardholders to add their Visa card as the primary payment method. We look forward to transforming the transit experience for motorists as it is also an opportunity for international drivers passing through Malaysia to pay using their Visa cards in future.”
According to the Visa Consumer Payment Attitude Survey 2018, four out of five drivers (80 per cent) would consider using their credit or debit cards to pay for toll charges, with almost half of them (43 per cent) saying they would use their credit or debit cards as their primary mode for toll payments. Furthermore, seven out of 10 drivers say that paying directly using their credit/ debit card for toll payments is a more convenient payment method.
PLUS Managing Director, Datuk Azman Ismail said, “The PLUS RFID public pilot, aimed at increasing options for drivers to pay toll on PLUS-operated highways in the future, is in line with PLUS’ mission to deliver intuitive and positive travel experiences for Malaysian communities on the move through technology and innovation. When fully implemented, the PLUS RFID will give Malaysian drivers freedom of choice and more convenience without the hassle of top ups, reloads, devices and batteries”.
According to Azman, PLUS is giving out 10,000 free PLUS RFID tags for frequent drivers on Penang Bridge, BKE and Jitra toll plazas. “The drivers in Penang will be the first to experience and enjoy PLUS RFID upon registering at the PLUSMiles portal and obtaining their tags at the fitment centres,” he said.
Azman was quoted at the launch of PLUS RFID Public Pilot programme in Bayan Lepas today, in conjunction with the Penang Bridge International Marathon 2018 where PLUS is also a sponsor.
