NLEX, SLEX Toll Hikes Loom

Motorists should prepare for increased toll fees at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) as the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) nears approval of toll hike petitions for both roads.

In a recent interview, TRB executive director Alvin Carullo confirmed that the toll hike petition for NLEX is in the “advanced stage,” with the fee increase expected to be implemented soon. This year’s NLEX toll hike represents the second tranche of scheduled rate hikes, with the first 50% implemented in 2023.

NLEX Toll Hike Details

Last June, the TRB authorized an additional P7 in the open system and P0.36 per kilometer in the closed system for NLEX. The open system includes sections like Balintawak, Karuhatan, Paso de Blas, Mindanao Avenue, Meycauayan, and Marilao, where a flat rate is charged. The closed system covers areas between Bocaue, Bulacan, and Sta. Ines, Mabalacat City in Pampanga, as well as Subic-Tipo, where charges are based on distance traveled.

Carullo noted, “It is the same as the first tranche… the toll increase was divided into two equal parts, 50% in 2023 and 50% in 2024.”

SLEX Toll Hike

For SLEX, San Miguel Corp., the toll road concessionaire, has also filed for the second half of its toll increase. Carullo mentioned that the toll hike might be implemented within the year. Last October, SLEX toll rates increased by P10 to P30 depending on the vehicle type, and by P4 to P8 for vehicles traveling from Calamba to Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

Carullo acknowledged the impact of inflation on these decisions, stating, “It may result in a delay in implementation if ever. It depends on the rate of inflation, but in the past, it appears that the government is keen on complying with the contractual obligations under the STOAs (Supplementary Toll Operation Agreement) or the contract.”

However, he emphasized that the TRB cannot deny all petitions for toll rate increases due to the need for compliance with lender agreements.

Conclusion

Motorists using NLEX and SLEX should anticipate toll increases in the coming months as the TRB finalizes the approval process. While inflationary concerns may affect the timing, compliance with contractual obligations remains a priority for the regulatory body.