SCTEX toll hike starts Tuesday, Nov. 19

Motorists using the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) should brace for higher toll beginning next week.

This developed after the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) authorized the implementation of the second tranche of the approved toll adjustment for SCTEX due in 2021 and 2023, according to NLEX Corp., which operates SCTEX.

In a statement, the toll company said an additional P0.64 per kilometer (km) for Class 1 vehicles, P1.29 per km for Class 2, and P1.93 per km for Class 3 will be collected at SCTEX effective Nov. 19, 2024.

"The additional rates, which followed strict compliance with regulatory procedures and underwent thorough review, were part of the approved periodic adjustments of SCTEX due in 2021 and 2023," it said.

"The increase was deferred and divided into three tranches that will be collected over three years to help curb the inflationary strains and ease impact on the users of the expressway," it added.

The TRB has authorized the implementation of the first tranche of the approved toll adjustments last Oct. 17, 2023.

Once implemented, NLEX Corp. said motorists using SCTEX with Class 1 vehicles (cars/SUVs) traveling from Mabalacat City (Mabiga Interchange) to Tarlac will pay an additional P25.  

Those using Class 2 vehicles (buses and small commercial trucks) on the same route will pay an additional P50 and Class 3 vehicles (large trucks/trailers) will pay an additional charge of P75.

Meanwhile, motorists traveling between Mabalacat City and Tipo, Hermosa, Bataan (near Subic Freeport) will be charged an additional P41, P81, and P121 for Class 1, 2, and 3 vehicles, respectively.

"In recent years, impactful projects have been undertaken to enhance the safety and convenience of all SCTEX users," NLEX Corp. said.

"From 2020 to 2023, the company undertook numerous infrastructure and enhancements projects as part of its commitment to improve motorists' safety and convenience while traversing the expressway," it said.

The company said these initiatives include the installation and upgrading of roadway lights and signage, maintenance and toll plaza improvement works, pavement replacement and crack sealing, guardrail and fence repairs, RFID system enhancements, toll systems upgrades, the Dinalupihan road raising project, the Porac Gumain, San Matias and Pasig Potrero bridges repairs and the construction of rainwater collection systems in Floridablanca and Dinalupihan rest bays. — VDV, GMA Integrated News