SmartTAG

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This article describes the toll collection system in Malaysia. For the toll collection system in Virginia, United States, see Smart Tag.


SmartTAG, (Acronym in Malay: Sistem Membayar Automatik Rangkaian Tol = Toll Network Automatic Payment Systems) is an on-board unit (OBU) vehicle-based device used as an electronic toll collection (ETC) system over long distances (maximum 15 metres) to complement Touch 'n Go, a card-based system. It was first introduced in Malaysia in 1999 and is also used as an Entrance Access Security.

Contents

[edit] Features

Main Article: Touch 'n Go (TnG)

SmartTAG was designed, developed and manufactured by Teras Teknologi Sdn Bhd as an extension of the Touch 'n Go System, initially as a replacement of PLUS TAG. It is being marketed by Rangkaian Segar Sdn Bhd. The SmartTAG is currently priced at RM100 per unit purchase with minimum reload amount of RM100 excluding Touch 'n Go card and transaction value.

Built on a non-stop Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) philosophy, SmartTAG incorporated infra-red communication that communicated with infra-red transceivers mounted at the ceilings of toll plazas to allow vehicle drivers to drive through SmartTAG dedicated lanes and pay toll without stopping. It is designed to process up to 1,200 vehicles per hour.

[edit] History

A typical entrance of SmartTAG lanes on Malaysian expressways.
A typical entrance of SmartTAG lanes on Malaysian expressways.

Prior to the introduction of SmartTAG, several different types of non-stop ETC were already being used in Malaysia:

SmartTAG was officially launched on 15th March 1999, phasing out PLUS TAG at over 20 plazas of Projek Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan (PLUS) / North-South Expressway (NSE):

  1. Batu Tiga
  2. Sungai Rasau
  3. Shah Alam
  4. Seafield
  5. USJ
  6. KLIA
  7. Jalan Duta
  8. Bukit Raja
  9. Damansara
  10. Subang
  11. Sungai Besi
  12. UPM
  13. Kajang
  14. Bangi
  15. Seremban
  16. Port Dickson Utara dan Selatan
  17. Senawang
  18. Bukit Beruntung
  19. Rawang
  20. Sungai Buloh

The system was then expanded to include 4 toll plazas of North-South Expressway Central Link (ELITE) from Bukit Beruntung to Senawang.

In December 2003, Minister of Works, Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu directed the implementation of a single ETC nationwide as a form of standardisation and convenience of use for road users. The directive requires all major toll operators in Malaysia to have a minimum of 2 Touch 'n Go and 1 SmartTAG lanes per direction at every plazas. The directive was gradually implemented by all major toll operators in July 2004 and marked the cessation of other types of non-stop ETCs in Malaysia.

In 2004, SmartTAG expanded as entrance access security for residential area. It was first (currently only) deployed at Ledang Heights Bungalow Park, in Nusajaya, Johor Bahru, a prestigious housing community developed by Nusajaya Land Sdn Bhd.

[edit] Benefits

Among benefits of SmartTAG are:

  • SmartTAG is eco-friendly because human exposure to infrared transmission is safe and does not cause interference to the communication zone.
  • Transaction time of SmartTAG is faster than Touch 'n Go.
  • Users can drive non-stop pass toll plaza in normal speed.
  • Slotting the Touch 'n Go card in the SmartTAG unit will enable the cardholder to know the card balance when the card is slotted in the SmartTAG.

[edit] Usage of SmartTAG

[edit] Electronic Payment System (EPS)

SmartTAG marker on road
SmartTAG marker on road
Specialised SmartTAG lanes are provided at major exit/entry toll plazas.
Specialised SmartTAG lanes are provided at major exit/entry toll plazas.

The SmartTAG, is placed on the windscreen using a mounting arm, which can be adjusted according to the angle of the windscreen. When the Touch 'n Go card is fully inserted into the SmartTAG device, the display panel shows the current credit balance in the Touch 'n Go card and the battery level for a few seconds. Users can fix the SmartTAG device anywhere on the windscreen. However, it works best if placed near the centre of the vehicle windscreen.

The Touch 'n Go card must be fully inserted into the SmartTAG unit before use. The SmartTAG lane has a speed limit of 40km/h.

The SmartTAG will emit a beep sound when transaction is successful and the automatic lane barrier will open. At the exit toll plaza, toll fare will be deducted from the Touch 'n Go card. The toll fare and the new remaining balance will be shown on the Toll Fare Indicator (TFI) at the toll lanes.

The SmartTAG, system also allow flexibility of usage. At toll plazas where SmartTAG lanes are not available, users only need to enter the Touch 'n Go lane, pull out the Touch 'n Go card from the SmartTAG and simply 'TOUCH' the card at the reader.

In other words, the usage of SmartTAG and Touch 'n Go is interchangeable where the driver can first enter the expressway using SmartTAG lane and later exit using Touch 'n Go card through a Touch 'n Go lane.

[edit] EPS Coverage

SmartTAG lanes are available at most toll plazas:

More lanes will be added progressively for new highway in the future.

Note: U/C - Under construction, U/D - Under Development

[edit] Entrance access security

To diversify the usages of SmartTAG and to attract further subscription of SmartTAG, Teras Teknologi with cooperation from Nusajaya Land Sdn Bhd, developer of Bandar Nusajaya implemented a secure Entrance Access Security for Ledang Heights Bungalow Park.

Touted as Beverly Hills of Johor, Ledang Heights consists of 571 bungalow lots situated off the expressway to Singapore, North-South Expressway Central Link (NSECL/ELITE) and within six kilometres from the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine centre.

SmartTAG offer both security and convenience. Security is provided by two layers of electronic recognition required to access the perimeter; a SmartTAG unit and an assigned smartcard registered to the security department. These units have to be detected simultaneously on authorised vehicles to gain entry into Ledang Heights. SmartTAG and card assigned can also be used in all highways that adopt SmartTAG as an EPS.

Plans are underway for further adaptations of SmartTAG in other prestigious housing developments.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links