The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has approved new toll rate adjustments for the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), authorizing the collection of an additional P0.51 per kilometer. The new toll increase took effect on June 14, 2019.
The petition for toll rate adjustments was filed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) in 2011.
As approved, motorists with Class 1 vehicles (ordinary cars) traveling from Mabalacat City (Mabiga Interchange) to Tarlac will pay an additional P20 under the new toll fee matrix. Motorists using Class 2 vehicles (buses and small commercial trucks) using the same corridor will pay an additional P40, and Class 3 vehicles (large trucks/trailers) will pay an additional P60. Meanwhile, motorists traveling between Mabalacat and Tipo in Subic will be charged an additional P32, P66, and P98 for Class 1, 2, and 3 vehicles, respectively.
Metro Pacific Investments Corp (MPIC), the parent firm of SCTEX concessionaire NLEX Corp., said that although SCTEX toll rates have remained at 2011 levels, infrastructure improvements along the 94-kilometer tollway have continued.
Since 2015, BCDA and NLEX Corporation have invested in various enhancement projects for the high-standard expressway in order to maintain motorist safety and convenience.
MPIC noted how the integration of SCTEX with the North Luzon Expressway in 2016 has unified toll collection at the two expressways under one electronic toll collection system, reducing the cumbersome toll collection stops and making expressway travel hassle-free.
The entire stretch of the SCTEX between Tarlac and Tipo also underwent a massive asphalt pavement upgrade in 2018 which has made rides smoother and quieter. Meanwhile, at the toll plaza level, Tipo Toll Plaza and the new Mabiga Interchange were boosted with additional lanes.
To improve 24/7 traffic monitoring and provision of roadside services, a modern traffic control room with CCTV cameras and radio communications was built in Mabalacat City. To enhance motorists’ safety, LED highway lights, emergency call boxes, crash cushions, and reflective delineator plates were also installed in key areas of the expressway.
NLEX Corp. also said earlier it is investing P150 million for bridge and pavement repairs along certain areas of SCTEX.
