Tuesday, April 29, 2008 SCTEx starts commercial operation By Reynaldo G. Navales
MABALACAT -- The Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) started its commercial operation on Monday.
In a symbolic gesture, Secretary Edgardo Pamintuan of the Subic Clark Alliance for Development (Scad) and Narciso Abaya, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), handed the first ticket to the first motorist at the Clark Logistics Plaza.
The first motorist, Reynaldo Ocba, was driving a Nissan Escapade for 10 passengers bound for a camp in Subic.
Only the 50.5-kilometer (km) Subic-Clark segment and a portion of the Clark-Tarlac of SCTex (for a total of 62 km), have been opened for commercial operations.
The remaining 32-km portion of the roadway will be opened within two months, BCDA officials earlier said. This includes a span from the boundary of the Clark North A Interchange in Mabalacat to Tarlac City.
The opening of this 32-km segment was deferred to give way to the final stages of constructing farm crossings, aside from installation of steel posts, cables and other accessories by the National Transmission Corporation (Transco).
The power lines are being rushed for the power requirements of Clark Freeport’s Texas Instruments.
Pamintuan cited SCTex as “one of the most significant component of the menu of development projects initiated by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
He lauded BCDA for delivering what could be “the crown jewel that our President can bequeath to the people of Central Luzon.”
Abaya, for his part, expressed confidence that, “in the days and months to come, SCTex will make available the lifeblood of an international logistics hub that holds so much promise for the nation.”
Class 1 vehicles entering SCTex from the Tipo Toll Plaza just outside Subic will pay a minimum of P24 toll if they take the exit at the Dinalupihan/Hermosa/Bataan Interchange.
From Tipo to the Clark Logistics Interchange, the rate for Class 1 vehicles is P112; Clark North B Interchange, P120; and Clark North A, P123.
Once commercial operations commence in the remaining 32 kilometers, Class 1 vehicles entering the Tipo Toll Plaza and intending to travel the full length of the expressway up to Tarlac City, will pay the maximum P181.
Motorists are advised to call SCTex Hotline for assistance at telephone numbers (045) 865-2030, (02) 3629997, (02) 3622246 and 0920-96-SCTex.
