Ethio telecom, in partnership with the Ethiopian Toll Roads Enterprise (ETRE), has launched a new RFID-powered digital toll payment system and a service and penalty payment platform through telebirr, aiming to make travel on the Addis -Adama expressway faster and more seamless.
The companies said the initiative modernizes toll road operations by replacing manual payment and recording processes with a centralized digital platform. The system is designed to handle road service fees, traffic penalties and toll account top-ups, while reducing congestion, paperwork and cash handling at toll gates.
Under the new service and penalty management platform, motorists can pay for services such as property damage fees, tipper and tow crane services, parking fees and penalties linked to overweight vehicles or unauthorized entry into expressway zones. The platform also gives ETRE real-time revenue visibility, dashboard-based monitoring and controlled access for staff.
The TOLO Mini App, integrated into the telebirr SuperApp, allows drivers to top up their electronic toll accounts digitally. Vehicles fitted with RFID tags can be linked to a user’s telebirr account, enabling automatic toll deductions as they approach the gate and allowing for non-stop passage when sufficient balance is available.
Ethio telecom said the system is expected to improve efficiency and reduce bottlenecks that have long affected toll road operations. By digitizing payments and automating account management, the companies say the platform will help minimize delays, lower the risks associated with cash handling and reduce manual errors in reporting.
For ETRE, the partnership is expected to strengthen revenue collection and transparency while improving customer service. For motorists, the companies said the main benefits are 24/7 access, faster transactions and greater payment flexibility.
