TRUCKERS are against the up to 12% hike in toll fees sought by North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) operator Manila North Tollway Corp (MNTC).
Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines (CTAP) president Ruperto Bayocot told PortCalls current rates at NLEX are already expensive to begin with, and that any increase will also only be a pass-on cost to consumers.
“MNTC should conduct public consultations with different transport groups to explain what kind of modernization they need to merit the 12% increase in toll rates,” Bayocot said, adding the operator may have “forgotten about its big income from giant establishments inside the NLEx”.
MNTC said the toll hike will fund further improvement of the newly opened NLEx-Mindanao Avenue interconnection, and the installation of more closed-circuit TVs and road barriers.
The operator said its proposal, targeted for implementation at the start of 2011, should be viewed as a “first time” petition since the first two rate adjustments last year were for reductions.
Under the NLEx concession agreement, MNTC is allowed to adjust rates every two years.
MNTC claimed its proposed rates are still lower compared to those implemented when it assumed operation of the tollway.
Once approved, the NLEx toll fee for Class 1 vehicles will be P41 from P36; Class 2, P102 from P91; and Class 3, P122 from P109.
