Smart TAG - A Redundant Invention

Time and time again, I try to rationalize the invention of Smart TAG as one of our toll payments method. In the end, I still think that it is a redundant invention. I still think that Touch N Go is the only way to go.

For a Smart TAG to work, these are the things required:

• your Touch N Go card must have adequate balance
• battery power for the device must be adequate
• the device must be flashed in the right direction i.e the black face facing the scanner
• tint film of your car must not be V-kool or equivalent. Your Smart TAG can't be detected through this type of film

For a Touch N Go card to work, you only need:

• adequate balance in your card

While there is no doubt that using Smart TAG is slightly faster compared to Touch N Go, there are also instances where people got stuck at the Smart TAG lane because one of the four reasons given above. When that happens, either the car will need to reverse which creates hassle to other road users or personnel from the toll plaza will need to come to his/her assistance. As opposed to Touch N Go lanes, there is generally no reasons for personnel from toll plaza to be around to ensure that the lanes are flowing smoothly provided balance in the card is adequate (this applies to both). Hence, there is no need for toll workers to be on standby in the middle of the night just to ensure the Touch N Go lanes flow smoothly.

Some might argue that with increasing Touch N Go users, queue at the lanes are getting longer compared to Smart TAG lanes. I've actually figured out why this happen. Go to any big toll plazas, you will either see the same or more numbers of Smart TAG lanes compared to Touch N Go lanes. This certainly does not makes sense since I think Touch N Go users are many times more compared to Smart TAG users. While it is undeniable that Smart TAG users do pay a premium for its service, is it fair at the expense of Touch N Go users when the main purpose of these two methods are to simplify and fasten toll payments?

While correct use of Smart TAG will generally smooth the traffic flow, but there are too many factors that could affect its flow. Use of Touch N Go will greatly reduce the need of human presence. Besides, what is 5 seconds faster when on other hand, you can actually eliminate the uncertainty elements in its use?