Starting Jan. 1, a new toll rate schedule provisionally approved by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) will be implemented at NLEX.
The TRB approved a toll increase of approximately 12 percent sought by the Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC), the first-ever to be implemented since the 94-kilometer world-class tollway opened in 2005.
In a statement, MNTC president Rodrigo Franco said the new toll rates are still lower than the initial rates introduced in 2005, on account of two rate reductions in January 2007 and July 2008.
The new matrix authorized by the TRB provides toll for Class 1 vehicles of P2.38 per kilometer under the closed system, and P41 per entry under the open system.
For Class 2 vehicles, the rates are P5.95 per km for the closed system and P102 per entry for the open system, while for Class 3, the rates are P7.14 per km for the closed system and P122 for the open system.
For the entire 94-km run between Balintawak and Sta. Ines, Mabalacat, Pampanga, Class 1 vehicles would have to pay P195. Class 2 will be charged P486 from end to end, and Class 3, a total of P583.
MNTC, builder and franchise holder of NLEX, initially charged Class 1 vehicles (cars, jeepneys, etc.) P42 in the open system and P2.48 per km for the closed system when the rehabilitated NLEX began commercial operations in February 2005.
NLEX’s introductory rates were slashed in 2007 and 2008.
Franco said the latest toll adjustments fall within the parameters of MNTC’s supplemental toll operation agreement with the TRB. “The level of our toll rates remains very reasonable,” he said.
Franco vowed that the toll hike “will redound to more improvements of ground and roadside services at the NLEX meant to enhance further the safety and comfort of motorists and travelers alike.”