The use of RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) for electronic payment of toll charges on highways gets a boost with the strategic partnership between PROTON and Touch ‘n Go Sdn. Bhd. With this partnership, a RFID tag will be installed on every new Proton X50 at the factory in Tg. Malim, Perak.
The X50, which was recently launched in an upgraded form, is the first Proton model to have a RFID tag as a standard fitment. It will be on all variants of the popular SUV which is a class-leader. Being fitted at the factory will ensure proper installation so that there will be no problems.
More of ‘Intelligence that Amazes’
“By partnering with Touch ‘n Go, PROTON is adding another new feature that fits perfectly with the model tagline of ‘Intelligence That Amazes’,” said Zhang Qiang, Deputy CEO of Proton Edar.
Aside from the X50, there is scope to extend the partnership between the two companies to other models in the Proton range to offer buyers of other models the same seamless driving experience.
“With other launches in our pipeline, PROTON is looking to extend the fitment of Touch ‘n Go RFID tags to other models to offer an improved level of convenience to our customers. Our aim is to improve the level of customer satisfaction, and we think this is one of the steps we can consider towards achieving that goal,” Mr. Zhang Qiang added.
RFID in use since 2018
The first deployment of RFID began in 2018 but there was a dispute between PLUS and CIMB (which owns Touch ‘n Go) due to two different RFID services. This was resolved towards the end of 2019 and by January 2020, a single system began to be available on most highways.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, usage was low in the early years and initial technical problems also discouraged motorists from adopting the new payment system which is supposed to prepare for the Multi Lane Free Flow system in future.
Currently, RFID lanes are available at toll plazas but motorists can still use their Touch ‘n Go card manually or with the SmartTAG. Additionally, payments can also be made using credit and debit cards.
Click here to find a Proton showroom to test the new X50
