Gov’t launches digital projects to make services accessible

Transportation and Public Works Secretary Edwin González Montalvo said the new digital tools “not only simplify processes but also represent an important step toward a more efficient, modern, and safe system.” (Facebook via Jenniffer González Colón)

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón announced Tuesday the launch of three projects aimed at consolidating the digital transformation of the central government. The initiatives integrate new technological tools and partnerships with the financial sector to make public services more accessible, faster, and more efficient.

The projects, Cesco Cash, AutoExpreso Directo, and the Fine Payment Plan Platform, aim to eliminate the economic and technological barriers that have historically limited access to services from the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTOP by its acronym in Spanish), the Treasury Department and other central government agencies for thousands of citizens.

“For the first time, all citizens will be able to conduct transactions such as license renewals, vehicle transfers, and paying fines without needing a credit card or bank account,” the governor said at a press conference. “This is made possible through the integration of Cesco Digital with ATH Móvil and the expansion of more than 1,000 physical payment points located in banks, credit cooperatives, pharmacies, and gas stations. This integration will allow residents in rural areas and those without access to banking services to complete essential procedures from anywhere on the island, reducing lines, minimizing unnecessary travel, and expanding the government’s digital reach.”

The initiatives address the needs of thousands of citizens who have previously been unable to access digital services due to banking or geographical limitations, ensuring full inclusion and significantly reducing wait times at CESCOs and tax collection agencies, where over 80% of in-person transactions are for renewals or transfers.

“Identifying processes that directly affect citizens and transforming them into real solutions has been a priority from the beginning of our agenda,” Government Efficiency Coordinator Veronica Ferraiuoli Hornedo said. “This project reflects how, under the governor’s leadership, we have translated the vision of efficiency into results that enhance the citizen experience.”

DTOP Secretary Edwin González Montalvo added that the “new tools not only simplify processes but also represent an important step toward a more efficient, modern, and safe system.”

“Our goal is for every driver to be able to manage their business quickly and reliably, no matter their location,” he said.

The second project, AutoExpreso Directo, expands payment options for outstanding fines and tolls beyond just 10 physical locations to more than 1,000 payment points across the island, including Vieques and Culebra.

Drivers will now be able to make payments at affiliated banks, cooperatives, pharmacies and gas stations at no additional cost and with immediate transaction confirmation. The change is a concrete step toward decentralization and administrative justice, González Montalvo said, as it eliminates the geographical and technological barriers that previously hindered many citizens from fulfilling their obligations.

In addition, the new Fine Payment Plan Platform, developed in compliance with Law 52-2025, will allow drivers to create flexible payment plans to settle their traffic debts in a structured and accessible manner. The platform will be available online and in person at more than 500 service points, accepting ATMs, credit or debit cards, and cash. Its features include real-time connectivity to Cesco Digital and the David+ system, which consolidates license, vehicle and fine information.

The integration ensures that payments and balances are updated immediately, maintaining accuracy, traceability and transparency in fund management.

The technological components of all three projects were designed by the Puerto Rico Innovation and Technology Service (PRITS), which developed an integrated infrastructure across various agencies, incorporating advanced cybersecurity protocols, automatic data backup, and real-time monitoring.

In the event of any technical incident, a coordinated immediate response protocol among participating agencies will be activated, with 24/7 support and alternate channels for citizen service.

According to interagency estimates, implementing the platforms could generate a 20% to 30% increase in collections during the first fiscal year, while also reducing wait times, decongesting offices, and improving the overall citizen experience. Moreover, a 60% to 80% decrease in wait times at CESCOs is expected by shifting the highest volume of recurring transactions to digital channels.