THE Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has approved the more than 300% hike in toll fees at the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx).
The new rate will take effect at the start of next year and will affect motorists using the expressway from Nichols to Calamba and the new stretch of expressway from Calamba to Sto. Tomas in Batangas.
The increase went up to more than 300% from the original 250% after the newly completed Calamba-Sto. Tomas stretch was factored in, the TRB said.
Under the new rate, Class 1 vehicles will be charged P86 for the entire stretch from the current P22; Class 2 vehicles, P172; and Class 3 vehicles, P258. For the Calamba-Sto. Tomas stretch, the fee will be P23.
Isaac David, president of SLEx operator South Luzon Tollway Corp (SLTC), said the company will soften the impact of the increase by giving a 12% discount from January to March.
With the discount, Class 1 vehicles will save P10 and pay P76 for the Nichols-Calamba stretch and another P20 for the Calamba-Sto. Tomas link; Class 2 vehicles, P172 for the first stretch; and Class 3 vehicles, P228 for the same stretch.
In addition, SLTC will implement a toll holiday starting 10 pm of December 24 up to 6 am the next day, and again on December 31 from 10 pm to 6 am of the next day.
Meanwhile, the South Luzon Bus Operators will seek a P0.30 per kilometer increase in fares to recover the toll hike. If approved, the new fare from Calamba to either Lawton or Cubao will be P86 from the current P56.
Truckers have also announced they will pass on the higher toll rate to their clients.
