NLEX toll fee hike takes effect June 4

MANILA – Motorists traveling to and from the northern part of Luzon would have to pay higher toll fees by next month.

In an advisory on Wednesday, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) said it has approved the second tranche of the North Luzon Expressway Corp. (NLEX Corp.) consolidated petitions from 2018 to 2020 for periodic toll adjustments starting June 4.

Under the new toll fee matrix, motorists traveling anywhere within the open system will pay an additional PHP5 for Class 1 vehicles (regular cars and sports utility vehicles), PHP14 for Class 2 vehicles (buses and small trucks), and PHP17 for Class 3 vehicles (big trucks).

The open system is from Balintawak in Caloocan City to Marilao, Bulacan while closed system covers the portion between Bocaue, Bulacan and Sta. Ines, Mabalacat City, Pampanga including Subic-Tipo.

The firm, meanwhile, said those traveling the NLEX end-to-end between Metro Manila and Mabalacat City will pay an additional PHP27 for Class 1, PHP68 for Class 2 and PHP81 for Class 3 vehicles.

In May last year, the first tranche or 50 percent of the approved toll adjustments was implemented as authorized by the TRB.

In a separate statement, the NLEX Corp. said the toll adjustments, which followed strict compliance with regulatory procedures and underwent thorough review, were part of its approved periodic adjustments due in 2019 and 2021.

“The increase was deferred and divided into two tranches to help curb the inflationary strains and ease the impact on the users of the expressway. From 2018 to 2020, the company has embarked on numerous infrastructure and enhancement projects to improve motorists’ safety and convenience. Some notable projects completed are the San Fernando NB (northbound) exit expansion, Meycauayan NB and Balintawak SB (southbound) drainage enhancements, San Simon and Sta. Rita Bridge retrofitting, Mindanao signalization, Mapulang Lupa Pedestrian/Tricycle Overpass construction, Toll system and equipment, roadway lighting and signage upgrade,” it said.

Meanwhile, the NLEX Corp.said it has invested in major expansion and enhancement projects that are vital to the country’s economic growth and ease the travel of motorists as part of its commitment to support the government’s call for the private sector to take part in nation-building.

This year, the company has opened the new F. Raymundo Exit in Meycauayan and widened the Meycauayan northbound exit ramp as part of its traffic decongestion program.

The tollway company is also set to complete the Candaba Third Viaduct, which will expand the five-kilometer bridge from existing three lanes without shoulders to three lanes with inner and outer shoulders per direction.

It said this will further ensure the safe transport of people and unhampered delivery of essential goods and services in Metro Manila and Central Luzon.