Starting Tuesday, October 17, motorists using the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) will see a toll fee increase of P0.64 per kilometer.
The NLEX Corporation had requested periodic adjustments in 2020 and 2022. To mitigate the impact on motorists, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has implemented these rate increases in three stages, considering the financial strain on individuals due to escalating fuel prices.
TRB has specified that the toll fee increase will be phased in over three years, with NLEX Corporation required to seek TRB’s approval before implementing the remaining two adjustments.
Under this year’s new toll fee structure, motorists travelling the entire length of SCTEX will experience the following fee increases: an additional P65 for Class 1 vehicles, P131 for Class 2, and P196 for Class 3.
For the segment between Mabalacat City in Pampanga and Tarlac, SCTEX will collect P25 for Class 1 vehicles, P50 for Class 2, and P75 for Class 3.
Passing through Mabalacat City and Tipo, Hermosa, Bataan, or vice versa will result in higher P40, P81, and P121 charges for Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 vehicles, respectively.
NLEX Corporation has indicated ongoing negotiations with the government regarding potential discounts or toll-free access for vehicles transporting agricultural products.
Motorists brace for SCTEX toll rate hikes
“There is an ongoing study by the Department of Finance together with all the toll concessionaires,” NLEX Corporation VP for Communications Donna Faylona-Marcelo said.
NLEX Corporation confirmed that the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) approved the fare adjustments in August. However, considering the inflationary conditions in the country, NLEX chose to implement the first increase in October.
Meanwhile, after canceling the supposed meeting in Malakanyang, the transport strike of the Malayan Alliance of Bus Employees and Laborers (MANIBELA) continued on Monday.
According to MANIBELA President Mar Valbuena, he personally canceled the meeting because of the issue with some people he called corrupt.
Valbuena revealed that some people don’t want to settle the issue because their shenanigans might be exposed.
“‘Yun lang ang nabalitaan na may meeting, hinarang na. Sangkot siguro ‘to sa anomalya. Kilala ko sila, binanggit sa’kin. Pero hindi ko muna sasabihin… Ako na nag-request na mag-cancel kung ganoon ang isyu nila,” he said.
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