NLEx to charge higher toll rates on Jan. 20
Motorists using the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) will have to pay more starting on Jan. 20 after the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) approved the second and last tranche of the periodic rate adjustments originally due in 2023.
Their implementation was deferred last year to mitigate the impact on motorists. Under the new rates, drivers using the entire stretch of the expressway from Balintawak, Quezon City, to Mabalacat City, Pampanga, will be charged an additional P24 for Class 1 vehicles (regular cars and SUVs), P60 for Class 2 vehicles (buses and small trucks) and P72 for Class 3 vehicles (heavy goods vehicles).
Depending on the type of vehicle, the additional fees for drivers using the open system will be P6 for Class 1 vehicles, P12 for Class 2 and P16 for Class 3.
For those passing through the closed system, the fee increases will be 26 centavos for Class 1, 65 centavos for Class 2 and 78 centavos for Class 3.
On the other hand, users of the Subic Tipo section will pay an added P3 for Class 1 vehicles, P6 for Class 2 and P7 for Class 3.
The open system runs from Balintawak, Quezon City, through Navotas, Valenzuela and Caloocan cities, to Marilao, Bulacan. The closed system covers the portion between Marilao and Sta. Ines, Mabalacat City.
Toll adjustments
Periodic toll adjustments are necessary to ensure the continued delivery of safe, efficient, and quality expressway service while maintaining the long-term viability of privately funded infrastructure investments, toll road operator NLEx Corp. said.
To help minimize the impact on inflation and support food price stability, the tollway company will continue the government’s toll rebate program for vehicles transporting agricultural products accredited by the Department of Agriculture.
From 2022 to 2025, NLEx undertook infrastructure projects to enhance safety, mobility and convenience.
These included the Subic Freeport Expressway capacity expansion; the Candaba third viaduct; road raising in San Simon; expansion of the Meycauayan northbound exit; construction of the new F. Raymundo northbound exit; roadway lighting and furniture upgrades; and bridge and overpass repairs. —WITH A REPORT FROM CARMELA REYES-ESTROPE
