Toll Rebates for Agricultural Truckers Begin Saturday

Starting Saturday, June 1, 2024, agricultural truckers accredited by the Department of Agriculture (DA) will benefit from the Agri-Trucks Toll Rebate Program. This initiative includes toll rebates for trucks on North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX), Subic-Clark Expressway (SCTEX), and Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (CAVITEX).

The program aims to aid 200 to 300 farm product-carrying trucks on these routes. Rebates range from ₱2 to ₱30 for vehicles on SMC Tollways, and ₱16 to ₱156 on MPTC-operated expressways, depending on vehicle class and distance.

Launched by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) in collaboration with the Department of Finance, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Agriculture, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), and SMC Tollways, the program seeks to mitigate toll fee impacts on agricultural goods.

Program Details and Enrollment

• Eligibility: DA-accredited truckers with valid Autosweep and/or Easytrip RFID accounts.
• Rebate Process: Rebates for toll increases since June 2023 are calculated weekly and credited to RFID accounts within three days.
• Purpose: To prevent toll fee hikes from escalating food inflation, ensuring stable food prices and reducing production costs.

Enrollment Steps:

1. Register RFID Account:
   • Easytrip RFID holders (NLEX, SCTEX, CAVITEX): Visit NLEX Balintawak or CAVITEX Parañaque Customer Service Centers.
   • Autosweep RFID holders (SLEX, MCX): Visit designated Autosweep Customer Service Centers (C5 Office, Petron Commerce, etc.).
2. Submit Requirements:
   • Original DA accreditation certificate
   • Vehicle’s Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration (OR/CR)
   • Valid ID
   • Easytrip/Autosweep card
3. Fill Out Form: Complete the Agricultural Trucks Toll Fee Increase Exemption Form at the Customer Service Center.

Future of the Program

The rebate program, initially set for three months, will be reviewed for a possible extension depending on inflation trends, according to TRB Executive Director Alvin Carullo.

Industry Response

The Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines (CTAP), which operates over 10,000 units in Manila, is not yet accredited and is seeking a meeting with the DA for further clarification.