Government OKs NLEX toll hike

MANILA, Philippines — Motorists have to spend P171 more when passing through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) as the tollway will enforce higher tolls starting tomorrow.

This developed after the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) authorized NLEX Corp. to increase toll rates by at least P5 and P0.72 per kilometer in the open and closed system, respectively.

Based on the new matrix, travelers in the open system will have to pay an additional P5 for Class 1, P13 for Class 2 and P15 for Class 3.

Motorists using the NLEX from point to point will have to prepare for the highest increase.

Toll rates for end-to-end usage, from Balintawak Toll Plaza to Mabalacat in Pampanga, will increase by P57 for Class 1, P142 for Class 2 and P171 for Class 3.

NLEX’s open system covers the cities of Navotas, Valenzuela and Caloocan and ends in Marilao, Bulacan.

The project’s closed system runs between Bocaue Exit and Sta. Ines Toll Plaza, and also includes the Subic-Tipo segment.

As earlier reported by The STAR, NLEX Corp. sought a toll increase to compensate for the periodic adjustment due in 2023 and the opening of a third bridge at the Candaba Viaduct.

The TRB divided into two tranches the toll hike scheduled in 2023, to ease price pressure on motorists.

NLEX Corp. is also trying to recoup the P7.7 billion it invested for the construction of another bridge at the Candaba Viaduct, one of the most crucial segments that connects Bulacan and Pampanga.

Next week, the company will start civil works for the first phase of the NLEX Segment 8.2, spanning the Mindanao Toll Plaza and Quirino Highway.