Motorists to save up to P5.02 per km. due to NLX upgrade

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Amid growing opposition to the proposed higher toll fees at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), the Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) cited yesterday a study indicating that the upgrading of the expressway would lead to savings ranging from 95 centavos to P5.02 per kilometer for motorists.

The MNTC earlier announced it would increase toll fee from 33 centavos to P2.49 per kilometer for Class A vehicles and higher for heavier vehicles, although it said it is still studying plans to give public utility vehicles some discounts. The MNTC is expected to finish the P18.7 billion upgrading of the NLEX this November.

Rep. Anna York Bondoc of this province’s fourth district said she will initiate a congressional inquiry on the proposed 600 percent increase in the tollway fee expected to be implemented by the MNTC once it takes over the 84-kilometer NLEX from the Philippine National Construction Corp. (PNCC) in December.

In Bulacan, Rep. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado said he would definitely block the proposed toll fee hike. He said he would deliver a privilege speech in the House to point out his reasons for opposition to the proposal.

But Marlene Ochoa, MNTC vice president for public information, cited a study conducted by the University of the Philippines’ Planning and Research Development Foundation (UP Planades) pointing out that the upgraded expressway would eventually lead to savings among motorists.

"At the end of the day, it will be much cheaper to travel on the NLEX in terms of fuel and wear and tear of vehicle and reduced travel time. The new NLEX also ensures the motorists’ safety and comfort," Ochoa said.

She quoted the study as saying that "Class A vehicles, including jeepneys, cars and taxis, would save 95 centavos per kilometer or a total savings of P76 pesos if they travel the full 80-kilometer distance from Balintawak, Quezon City to Sta. Ines in Mabalacat, Pampanga.

The study also revealed that Class B vehicles such as buses and light trucks would generate savings of P7.44 per kilometer or a total of P595 for the entire stretch, while Class C vehicles or heavy trucks would save P5.02 per kilometer or a total of P402.

The MNTC urged the public "to go beyond the toll rates to see and appreciate the economic benefits to be delivered to Central Luzon as a result of the upgrading of the NLEX."

— Ding Cervantes and Ric Sapnu