SCTEX Toll Hike Starts Tuesday, November 19

Motorists traveling on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) will face higher toll fees starting Tuesday, November 19, following the implementation of the second tranche of the approved toll adjustments.

Toll Rate Adjustments

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) authorized the increase, which was originally scheduled for 2021 and 2023. According to NLEX Corp., the operator of SCTEX, the new rates will be:

• Class 1 vehicles (cars/SUVs): Additional ₱0.64 per kilometer.
• Class 2 vehicles (buses/small trucks): Additional ₱1.29 per kilometer.
• Class 3 vehicles (large trucks/trailers): Additional ₱1.93 per kilometer.

Route-Specific Adjustments

Motorists traveling key routes will experience the following increases:

• Mabalacat City (Mabiga Interchange) to Tarlac:
  • Class 1: Additional ₱25
  • Class 2: Additional ₱50
  • Class 3: Additional ₱75
• Mabalacat City to Tipo, Hermosa, Bataan (near Subic Freeport):
  • Class 1: Additional ₱41
  • Class 2: Additional ₱81
  • Class 3: Additional ₱121

Rationale Behind the Increase

NLEX Corp. stated that the toll hike, divided into three tranches over three years, was designed to minimize inflationary impact on motorists. The first tranche was implemented on October 17, 2023.

Infrastructure Improvements

The company highlighted significant enhancements made from 2020 to 2023, aimed at improving safety and convenience for SCTEX users, including:

• Roadway lighting and signage upgrades.
• Toll plaza improvements.
• Pavement replacement and crack sealing.
• Repairs to guardrails, fences, and bridges (e.g., Porac Gumain, San Matias, and Pasig Potrero).
• Upgrades to the RFID and toll systems.
• Rainwater collection systems at Floridablanca and Dinalupihan rest bays.

Motorists are advised to prepare for the adjustments and plan their routes accordingly.