Motorists using the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) will pay higher tolls starting next week after the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) authorized a P6 increase in the open system and a 26-centavos-per-kilometer increase in the closed system.

Under the new toll fee matrix, motorists traveling anywhere within the open system starting 20 January will pay an additional P6 for Class 1 vehicles (regular cars and SUVs), P12 for Class 2 vehicles (buses and small trucks), and P16 for Class 3 vehicles. 

Meanwhile, those traveling the full length of NLEX between Metro Manila and Mabalacat City will pay an additional P24 for Class 1 vehicles, P60 for Class 2 vehicles, and P72 for Class 3 vehicles.

The open system runs from Metro Manila, including the cities of Navotas, Valenzuela, and Caloocan, to Marilao, Bulacan, while the closed system covers the portion between Bocaue, Bulacan, and Sta. Ines, Mabalacat City, Pampanga, as well as Subic-Tipo.

The TRB said the adjustment “follows the prescribed regulatory process and underwent thorough review,” and represents “the second and final tranche of the approved periodic toll rate adjustments originally due in 2023.” 

“Periodic toll adjustments are necessary to ensure the continued delivery of safe, efficient and quality expressway service, while maintaining the long-term viability of the privately funded infrastructure investments,” the Pangilinan-led NLEX Corp. said on Saturday.

Rebates continue

To help minimize the toll hike’s impact on inflation and support food price stability, the company said it “will continue to implement the government’s toll rebate program for vehicles transporting agricultural products that are duly accredited by the Department of Agriculture.”

In the last four years, the company said it completed several infrastructure projects, including the SFEX Capacity Expansion, the Candaba 3rd Viaduct, road raising in the San Simon area, expansion of the Meycauayan Northbound Exit, and construction of the new F. Raymundo Northbound Exit, improvements in roadway lighting and furniture, and bridge and overpass repairs. System enhancements and equipment upgrades were also completed at toll plazas.

The company said it will complete the first two-kilometer section of the NLEX-C5 Northlink — from the NLEX Mindanao toll plaza to Quirino Highway in Novaliches — this year, easing daily traffic congestion along Mindanao Avenue.