Mobility mode; cashless at expressways

KNOWN as the Tokyo Motor Show for decades beginning 1954, Asia’s first automobile showcase will now be known as the Japan Mobility Show beginning October 2023. The switch was instigated by Akio Toyoda, now the chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation.

It is a timely move as the coming event will feature all-encompassing technologies covering practically all motoring aspects that matter, amid new thrusts in the ever-changing auto world.

Cristina “Tini” Arevalo, the Mobility leader of Toyota Motor Philippines, offers her insightful view on the shift in approach.

“It’s a good move for Chairman Toyoda. The change from Tokyo Motor Show to Japan Mobility Show makes this significant event more inclusive to other related industries that actually add value to mobility experience.

“Mobility now is not simply about cars, but also the technologies, systems and applications that allow you to optimize use of the vehicles, and make day-to-day journeys a safe and comfortable experience not just for the privileged but also for the general public.

“I think the participation of other related industries in the exhibitions will encourage the young generation to create and showcase their bright, new ideas to the world.”

Short but sweet, it is called.

Cashless Travel

JON Hernandez of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) writes to say that SMC Infrastructure is ready to implement the cashless and contactless payment system along expressways.

The Department of Transportation, through its Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), will conduct a dry run on September 1 in coordination with SMC.

“We support the move to make toll collection purely cashless. We believe it will significantly reduce traffic congestion and waiting times at toll plazas and contribute to a smoother and safer travel experience,” said SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang.

Under the TRB-directed dry run, only vehicles with an active Autosweep RFID account will be allowed along SMC’s toll expressways, namely the SLEX, STAR, Skyway at-grade and Skyways 1,2,3; the NAIA Expressway, and the TPLEX.

Motorists without RFID stickers will still be allowed to pass, but only after toll personnel have installed an RFID sticker on their vehicles and taken a photo of their vehicle license plates and gotten the motorists’ mobile phone numbers.

Jon also informed us that loading an Autosweep RFID account has also been made easier, more convenient, and widely available at Bank of Commerce branches, and their respective online and electronic banking facilities. E-wallets can also be used to reload the Autosweep RFID account, as well as the payment facilities of major convenience stores nationwide.

He says replacement of malfunctioning RFID stickers will remain free of charge as part of Autosweep’s commitment to support the full cashless transaction program.

This is all good, traffic-wise. And queues at exit points will soon be a thing of the past? You bet.

PEE STOP Satchi Ang-Bargas of Velocita Motors, the nation’s exclusive dealer of the iconic Ferrari, says they will have an exclusive party on Sept. 1 at their Edsa Wack Wack facility in Mandaluyong City. All the best, Satchi…Christine Janice “CJ” Cortez is Lyka dela Cruz’s newest ally at Honda Cars PH…Sam Surla, Vernon B. Sarne’s managing editor at Visor, is so tech-savvy he installed my Spotify in a breeze. Magic!