Smart, MNTC, Voyager tie up for interactive mobile messaging service for NLEX travelers

Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) and the Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC), together with Smart subsidiary Voyager Innovations Inc. (Voyager) are jointly developing a pioneering mobile alert and advertising service for NLEX travelers. More details after the jump.

Dubbed Smart-Connect Interactive Mobile Messaging, the service will enable registered Smart & SUN mobile subscribers entering and exiting the expressway tollgates and plazas using smartphone-enabled technology and the NLEX electronic toll connection (ETC) to receive free public service advisories.

It is the first of its kind for the wireless and tollways industries in the country to collaborate on a service that will benefit the rapidly growing community of connected motorists. The service will also include relevant special offers, promos, discounts, and rewards from the thousands of business along the expressway using Smart’s intelligent analytics.

“This intersection between mobile and transportation is an area where many disruptive innovations will take place, and this partnership with NLEX is just the beginning. We’re excited over the possibilities that this will bring to our subscribers and partners,” said Orlando B. Vea, chief wireless advisor, Smart.

Voyager will be developing the smartphone app for NLEX with the capability to integrate with Smart’s payment systems.

Safety measures will be put in place to eliminate spamming and advocating the responsible use of mobile devices while on the road. Roadside assistance will also be part of the features.

“Having this new service opens up a whole new avenue for us to be able to reach out to our motorist assuring that they are up to date with stories and advisories that matter to them while they are within NLEX. We hope that this collaboration will also offer motorists a great experience with the value-added benefits recommended by Smart,” said MNTC president and CEO Rodrigo E. Franco.

“The integration of Smart and Voyager technologies with MNTC’s big pool of motorist data will maximize opportunities in this marketplace. We aim to develop more relevant and life-innovating services for our partners,” said Jose Benjamin S. Fernandez, chief operating officer, Voyager.

NLEX is one of the country’s major expressways connecting Metro Manila to Central and Northern Luzon. MNTC, a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), is the builder and concessionaire of NLEX.

The collaboration is a progression from last year’s partnership where Smart acquired the naming rights of the NLEX Cloverleaf Interchange that was then subsequently called the SMART Connect Interchange. The first batch of services is set to launch in August.

Back to top