Expect higher toll rates at NLEX, Cavitex tomorrow

MANILA, Philippines — Starting tomorrow, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. subsidiaries NLEX Corp. and Cavitex Infrastructure Corp. (CIC) will charge higher toll rates for the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) Parañaque toll plaza, respectively.

In a statement, NLEX said the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) granted the company’s request to increase its toll rate by P2 in the open system and P0.34 per kilometer in the closed system.

The open system starts from Balintawak in Caloocan to Marilao in Bulacan, while the closed system covers the portion between Bocaue in Bulacan and Barangay Sta. Ines in Mabalacat, Pampanga, including the Subic-Tipo.

Under the new toll fee matrix, motorists traveling anywhere within the open system will pay an additional P2 for Class 1 vehicles (regular cars and SUVs), P6 for Class 2 (buses and small trucks) and P8 for Class 3 vehicles.

Motorists traveling the NLEX from end-to-end points between Metro Manila and Mabalacat will pay an additional P27 for Class 1, P69 for Class 2 and P82 for Class 3 vehicles.

The adjustments were part of the approved periodic adjustments of the NLEX due in 2016 and the completion of the new Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) in 2021.

The SFEX has been providing motorists safer and more comfortable travel experience since it was partially opened in December 2020 and fully completed in February last year.

In a separate statement, the CIC said the implementation of new toll rates in Cavitex Parañaque Toll Plaza comes after the TRB’s approval of the 2011 and 2014 contractual tariff adjustments toll petitions, as well as its add-on toll petition for Phases 1 and 2 enhancement works done at the Cavitex R-1 Expressway that was completed in 2020.

The CIC is the concessionaire for Cavitex along with joint venture partner Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA).

Among the enhancements done were the completion of asphalt overlay along the entire stretch of Cavitex, provision of Pacific flyover, left turn facility and bridge widening as well as conducting regular maintenance works to ensure road quality and safety for motorists.

The approved petitions translate to P4.62 VAT-exclusive rate per kilometer for Class 1 vehicles, P9.24 for Class 2 and P13.86 for Class 3 vehicles traversing the 6.48-kilometers R-1 Expressway (from Cavitex Longos, Bacoor entry to MIA exit and back).

As a result and based on the new toll fee matrix, motorists will be paying P33 for Class 1 vehicles from the current P25, P67 for Class 2 from P50 and P100 for Class 3 from P75.

To help cushion the impact of the toll increase, NLEX said public utility jeepneys covered by NLEX Passada and Tsuper Card discount and rebate program would continue to enjoy the old rates, the CIC said.

Provincial buses will be covered by a graduated rebate scheme for a period of three months, it said.

The CIC and its partner PRA said they would provide public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers with a toll rate reprieve through a rebate program that would allow them to continue enjoying the old rates for the next three months.

“The rebate program is system driven. Through the RFID, most of the PUVs such as jeepneys, modern jeepneys, UV Express and buses have accounts with us. We have coordinated with the TODAS and transport groups for the verification starting tomorrow. We will also have sticker installation to those who do not have RFIDs that are new PUVs,” said Arlette Capistrano, MPT South Management Corp. assistant vice president for communication and stakeholder management.