NLEX to increase toll fees starting June 15

BOCAUE, Bulacan — The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has approved the toll rate adjustment for NLEX and authorized the implementation of an additional P7.00 in the open system and P0.36 per kilometer in the closed system, to take effect starting June 15.

The new rates, which underwent thorough regulatory reviews and approvals, were part of the authorized NLEX periodic adjustments due in 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2020.

TRB allowed NLEX to collect this year the fourth and last tranche of the 2012 and 2014 periodic adjustments and only half of the 2018 and 2020 increases to help “curb the existing inflationary situation and cushion their impact on the users of the expressway.”

Further, public utility jeepneys (PUJs) under the NLEX Pass-ada and Tsuper Card discount and rebate programs will continue to enjoy the old rates.

Under the new toll fee matrix, motorists traveling anywhere within the open system will pay an additional P7.00 for Class 1 vehicles (regular cars and SUVs), P17.00 for Class 2 vehicles (buses and small trucks), and P19.00 for Class 3 vehicles (large trucks).

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

Those traveling the NLEX end-to-end between Metro Manila and Mabalacat City will pay an additional P33.00 for Class 1, P81.00 for Class 2, and P98.00 for Class 3 vehicles.

While awaiting the implementation of these much-needed adjustments, NLEX has continued to deliver quality service to motorists by ensuring that its road assets and operations are at par with standards. It has remained steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of its stakeholders through various corporate social responsibility programs and initiatives.
Traffic management systems were also enhanced to closely monitor the traffic situation in the entire stretch of the expressway and to immediately respond to incidents. With a full system in place, different traffic measures are being implemented to manage traffic depending on the criticality of the situation, these include setting up counterflow in congested areas where feasible so motorists will get to their destinations safely, quickly, and comfortably.

It has also started preliminary works for the Candaba Third Viaduct and is currently eyeing to expand the NLEX San Fernando to Sta. Ines which will help address the increase in the volume of vehicles using the expressway.

Groundbreaking for the 3rd Viaduct is set to take place this June to officially signal its construction. The project will expand the five-kilometer bridge from existing three lanes without shoulders to three lanes with inner and outer shoulders per direction. Aside from making travel safer and more convenient, this new bridge, once finished, will also enable faster journeys as it will increase the maximum speed at the Viaduct from 60kph to 80kph. 

From 2018 to 2020, the tollway company completed several improvements in its road networks that enhanced the safety, mobility, and convenience of motorists. These include the San Fernando NB exit expansion, Meycauayan NB and Balintawak SB drainage enhancements, and San Simon and Sta. Rita Bridge retrofitting, Mindanao signalization, Mapulang Lupa Pedestrian/Tricycle Overpass, Expansion of toll plazas in Pampanga, Toll system and equipment enhancements, and Upgrading of roadway lighting and signages, to name a few.

Through the years, NLEX has always been on the lookout for solutions to provide quality service to motorists and has continued to build vital infrastructure projects that will boost the economy. (UnliNews Online)