Beginning Thursday, motorists traveling on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) will be required to pay additional toll fees ranging from ₱7 to ₱98.
This decision comes despite appeals from senators and various groups to postpone the implementation, considering the current high inflation rate and persistent traffic issues along the expressway.
NLEX Corporation previously announced that the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) had granted approval for the increased toll charges, which will be imposed on vehicles traveling within the open system.
Revised toll fees for the NLEX vary depending on vehicle class, with rates ranging from ₱69 to ₱206 for the open system and ₱332 to ₱995 for end-to-end travel.
However, several lawmakers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the TRB's decision.
Senate Minority Leader "Koko" Pimentel has called for the TRB and the toll road operator to suspend the toll rate increase, citing the persistent traffic congestion issues on NLEX.
Transport group Manibela has voiced its opposition to the toll rate hike, urging authorities to address pressing concerns such as traffic congestion, long queues at toll gates, unreadable RFID stickers, and uneven or bumpy road conditions.
The group emphasized that addressing these problems is essential to ensure a higher level of satisfaction among motorists.
Despite the concerns raised by lawmakers and advocacy groups, the increased toll fees on NLEX will proceed as scheduled, impacting commuters and travelers along the expressway.
