STAR tollway operator seeks toll hike

STAR Infrastructure Development Corp. (SIDC) is asking the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) to approve a toll rate increase at the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) to recover the investments spent on road widening and improvements.

According to Bernadette Reyes' report on 24 Oras, the management of the STAR Tollway is seeking a P1.36-per-kilometer toll rate hike.

STAR is a 41.90-kilometer road that connects Sto. Thomas and Batangas City with seven exit points.

"Inutusan kami ng gobyerno para ayusin ang kalsada at i-expand, make it safe at ginawa namin ito at ginagamit ng publiko. I think it is but fair that because we advanced the cost to fix this on the request of the government, the government allow us to let us be paid. It is due for several years," Raoul Romulo, CFO at San Miguel Holdings Corp. (SMHC), said.

SMHC has an effective 100 percent interest in SDIC.

The current rate for Class 1 vehicles – cars, jeepneys, pickup trucks and vans – is P67. For Class 2 vehicles – two-axle trucks, buses, and vans – is P134 and P200 for Class 3 vehicles – trucks and trailers with three or more axles.

The P1.36 per kilometer toll rate hike petition will reflect a P57 additional cost for motorist if they will traverse the entire STAR Toll, once the petition is approved.

The TRB, meanwhile, said they will study the petition. It also said that it is open for counter petitions for the toll rate hike within 90 days.

However, some motorists have already expressed their objection for the planned toll hike.

The TRB will discuss SDIC's petition along with the Manila North Tollways Corp.'s similar petition for the North Luzon Expressway in its board meeting in June. —John Ted Cordero/NB, GMA News