CLARK FREEPORT --- Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) President Rodrigo Franco has assured that the expressway operator will continue implementing development programs to provide quality service to the motorists using the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex).
Franco made the announcement during the inauguration of the P278 million Bocaue Toll Plaza expansion last Tuesday.
“That is a significant amount of money but our priority is the level of service to our customers. Gusto naming ma-maintain yung level of service para hindi mahirapan yung mga customers. That is the primary obligation namin sa aming mga customers at yun din ang aming primary obligation sa mga regulators natin kaya namin isinagawa ang project na ito without regard kung magkakaroon man ng toll rate increase or not,” Franco said in response to a question from newsman if there are toll rates increase following the completion of the Bocaue toll plaza expansion.
Franco admitted that the corporation has pending applications for toll rate adjustments for the three expressway but these are subject for review and approval by the Tollways Regulatory Board (TRB).
“There is no direct correlation between this project and the toll rate increase but this is part of the overall investment and operating philosophy that you invest and at some in time you are expecting adjustment to tariffs,” Franco said.
The expansion of the NLEX Bocaue Toll Barrier from 26 to 34 lanes has been completed to cater the increase in the volume of traffic during the All Saints’ Day.
The additional eight lanes in Bocaue will provide speedy toll transactions at the NLEX especially during peak hours, according to Franco.
Department of Transportation (DoTr) Undersecretary Noel Kintanar lauded and congratulated the MNTC officials for the completion of the project.
Kintanar joined Franco and other MNTC officials during the drive through ceremony.
“I would like MNTC and TMC (Tollway Management Corporation) for the opening of this new toll plaza. It’s a welcome development and we really appreciate the support of the private in trying to address the many traffic woes that the motorists are experiencing, be it north or be it south,” Kintanar said.
“These are clearly good examples of partnership between the private sector and the public sector,” Kintanar added.