Via Errada

I have been a fan of the Via Verde system for many years; since it was invented, in fact. But as a Company, I am less than impressed, since it has a tendency to behave rather like the armed wing of Brisa!

Now it's clear the non-payment of tolls is a crime, but is it so prevalent that drastic measures have to exist to prevent losses to the two companies? I suppose that VV only has to pay Brisa the tolls it receives, not the total value of all cars that pass, irrespective of managing to take their money.

Have you ever tried to tell Via Verde that you want to cancel one of their identifying gadgets? As they can't be switched off, they have to be returned. I have one on my desk at work that belonged to the late Technical Director and was in his company car. I sent the office boy to return it for cancellation, only to find out that huge amount of paperwork would be required. I also have a device, somewhere, that I haven't used for 10 years. It appears on the database in my name, but I can't do anything with that record, as the website doesn't behave in the way set out in the FAQ!

Quite frankly, the site is awful, built on an old version of SAP. How do I know? Because the pages come up with the SAP logo, not Via Verde!

I've also heard that the GPS system the company is plugging has the annoying habit of telling you to slow down as you approach the VV corridor. Good job I didn't buy one, as I would want to return it in that case, which I guess would be impossible.

You might think that a leading, innovative company like Via Verde should be good at customer service. Think again!