THE North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation has announced that it will implement a new toll rate adjustment starting May 12.

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) gave NLEX the go signal to increase its toll by P2 in the open system and P0.34 per kilometer in the closed system.

The highway operator said the adjustments followed regulatory procedures and underwent thorough review.

NLEX Corporation added that the new rates are part of the approved periodic adjustments due in 2016 and the completion of the new Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) in 2021.

The expressway firm said motorists have been enjoying safer and more comfortable journeys brought about by the new SFEX since it was partially opened in December 2020 and fully completed in February 2021.

A total of 16.4 new lane kilometers, two new bridges in Jadjad and Argonaut, and a new tunnel were constructed for this infrastructure project, NLEX added.

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 sports utility vehicles), P6 for Class 2 vehicles (buses and small trucks), and P8 for Class 3 vehicles.

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

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

To help cushion the impact of the toll increase, public utility jeepneys (PUJs) under the NLEX Passada and Tsuper Card discount and rebate program will continue to enjoy the old rates. Provincial buses will also be covered by a graduated rebate scheme for a period of three months.

The tollway company spent P6.9 billion to complete several major projects and enhancements at NLEX-Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) since 2015 that improved the region’s landscape, increased accessibility, enhanced safety and provided travel convenience to motorists.

To name a few, these include the expansion of San Fernando Interchange; the new toll lanes in Marilao, Bocaue, Tipo, Balintawak, Meycauayan, and Mindanao; the pavement upgrade at NLEX; the new exits in Meycauayan and Valenzuela and entry in Balagtas; the rehabilitation of bridges in Bigaa, Bocaue, and Meycauayan; and the improvement of drainages in Balintawak, Valenzuela, and Meycauayan; retrofitting of San Simon and Sta. Rita bridges.

In spite of the challenges of the pandemic, the tollway company has not wavered on its commitment to provide quality service to its motorists and has continued to undertake high impact projects that will benefit the economy.