NLEX Connector toll hike begins Oct. 15

Motorists passing through the NLEX Connector should brace for higher tolls beginning next week.

This, after the Toll Regulatory Board has approved the collection of the updated toll rates for the elevated expressway, NLEX Corp. said in a statement on Saturday.

Under the updated toll matrix, motorists using Class 1 vehicles or regular cars and SUVs will be charged P119 from the previous toll of P86.

Meanwhile, Class 2 or buses and small trucks and Class 3 vehicles or large trucks will have to pay P299 and P418 flat rates, respectively, from the previous rates of P215 and P302.

The adjusted tolls at NLEX Connector will be effective on October 15, 2024.

“The toll adjustment is part of the program to collect the opening toll for the NLEX Connector on a staggered basis to cushion the impact to expressway users,” NLEX Corp. said.

“The initial rates were implemented last 2023, four months after the opening of the Caloocan to España Section in March,” it said.

With the opening of Section 2 from España to Magsaysay Boulevard in October 2023, the company said NLEX Connector retained the original discounted rate, letting motorists use the longer stretch for almost a year with no toll adjustment. 

“Full rates will be implemented once the NLEX Connector Project is completed,” it said.

The NLEX Corp. said the connector has significantly improved the travel experience of motorists heading to Manila from the north and vice versa by reducing travel between C3 in Caloocan and Magsaysay Boulevard in Manila to just seven minutes.

The company said NLEX Connector is the first expressway in the Philippines to implement a barrierless system and uses 100% RFID, allowing faster transactions at toll plazas.

—VAL, GMA Integrated News