Multi Provider Toll Collection System.

Quite few months ago, the KKM  had announced that Malaysia is going to introduce MLFF - multi lane free flow system, which is a system where there is no tolling island, and payments would be made via on board units (OBUs) - similar to SmartTags. 

Actually it is more closely similar to the previous tags system that Litrak/Kesas and Grand Saga used not so long time ago - microwave tags instead of infrared tags in SmartTag.

It was that at that point of time, we are still not ready for MLFF.

Anyway, it was reported that a viability study are being conducted. 

see: http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=299666

I have not heard any new development on this technology since then.  But while the idea is noble, the implementation would be tricky, unless the JPJ managed to control and limit the usage of false license plate, and also non standard number plate. Not to mention, stolen plates that gives headaches to authorities in London when they are enforcing their version of road charging.

However, I would not talk about the MLFF, but instead, i would see that the next logical step before we go to MLFF is to ensure open-architecture and interactivity of the tolling system through-out Malaysia. And importantly to ensure no monopoly. 

There are few options that I had in mind. 

1. Central clearing house, which should fall under the jurisdiction of  Bank Negara (and not KKM)

2. Multi provider card with similar protocols (as adopted in the European counties, and through-out the world), in which there are few main players on the same system. It is similar to credit cards where, for example,   multiple bank issuing similar MEPS card. At the end of the day, the clearing house will deduct the amount from the individual card provider. This time thought we should also adopt the new worldwide of not putting any purse value in our cards. The current TnG purse idea is already outdated.

3. Multiple roadside equipment provider. Which under the supervision of the LLM, the supply of the roadside equipment would be open to any supplier. This will ensure the concessionaires have more options in choosing their road-side equipment supplier.

4. Multiple OBU (tags) provider, in which the user could buy the OBU from any provider that the like and stick into it any card that they like.  

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