Motorists will start paying higher toll fees on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) today, 2 March, Sunday with the Toll Regulatory Board authorizing an increase in such fees to cover deferred adjustments and recent infrastructure upgrades.
Drivers using the open system will pay an additional P5 for Class 1 vehicles, P13 for Class 2 and P15 for Class 3.
For the closed system, the rate will rise by P0.72 per kilometer.
Those traveling the full stretch between Metro Manila and Mabalacat City will see an increase of P57 for Class 1, P142 for Class 2, and P171 for Class 3.
The toll hike consolidates the first tranche of periodic adjustments due in 2023 and the add-on toll for the P7.7-billion Candaba 3rd Viaduct, completed in 2024.
Deferred and staggered
NLEX Corp. had deferred and staggered the 2023 increase to lessen the impact on motorists.
“Motorists have been enjoying safer and more comfortable journeys with the new Candaba 3rd Viaduct without paying for additional toll since it was partially opened in August 2024 and fully completed December of the same year,” NLEX said on Friday.
“Serving as a vital link between MetroManila, Central and Northern Luzon, this new bridge is expected to address the growing traffic demand in the north, contributing to tourism, trade, and commerce across regions,” it added.
Between 2021 and 2024, NLEX undertook major infrastructure upgrades, including raising the San Simon section, expanding the Meycauayan Northbound Exit, revitalizing the Balintawak Cloverleaf, and upgrading roadway lighting, bridges and toll plaza systems.
Two major projects
This year, two major projects will further ease congestion. The first phase of the NLEX-C5 Northlink, a two-kilometer stretch from the Mindanao toll plaza to Quirino Highway in Novaliches, will begin construction.
Additionally, the NLEX San Fernando to SCTEX Spur in Mabalacat will be widened from two to three lanes in each direction, with new roadway lighting and an upgraded Mexico interchange to handle increased traffic.
