Challenge 6 of 52: Toll Gate Jam
Living in Klang Valley, means that I regularly pass through tolls. I can face up to 5 toll gates crossing from my parents-in-law place to the city centre. Thus, I also see the same pattern again and again. All the cash lanes are clogged up, some people at the TnGo lane and a few passing through SmartTag lane.
At first, I thought this pattern is only applicable to interstate travels where people can’t easily buy and reload TnGo cards. But then I see the same pattern in inner city toll gates. Most glaring example is Ampang Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway. The toll fee is only RM1.50 but why on those commuters put up with the slow cash lane everyday?
True, the SmartTAG is expensive. At RM120, it’s a luxury item for many low to medium low income earners. They are better off using that money to fill up their small cars full twice rather than splurging on a gadget that help them pass through the toll gates faster.
How about TnGo card? It’s only RM10 and the minimum reload amount is RM10. Sadly, the economics of surviving with a meagre salary in a big city means that is also quite out of reach.
What’s the solution then?
- Give the TnGo card for free with a purchase of RM10 reload
- Lower the minimum reload amount to RM5
- Make it easier to reclaim credit if the card is lost
- Add more outlet to buy and reload cards
- Discount for using TnGo
Moral of the story – if you have a TnGo card and a SmartTAG you are rich. What more if you have two active cards. At the very least you are richer than many people in Kuala Lumpur.