TRB open to proposal to increase speed limits on expressways

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) on Tuesday expressed openness to look into the proposal to increase the speed limits on expressways.

“Kami naman po ay bukas sa mga suhestyon upang tignan ang ating mga expressway kung may mga portions na puwedeng taasan ang speed limit o pwedeng manatili na lamang ang mga speed limit na sa ngayon ay pinatutupad natin sa mga expressway,” TRB spokesperson Julius Corpuz said on PTV’s public briefing.

(We are open to suggestions to look into our expressway if there are portions which the speed limits can be increase o maybe retain what is being implemented.)

Ilocos 1st District Representative Ronald Singson filed a proposal to increase the current speed limit of 80 kilometers per hour (kph) for buses to 120 kph and the maximum speed limit for buses and other vehicles from 100 kph to 140 kph. 

Singson said there is a need to adjust the maximum speed limits on the toll roads as the current standards are based on laws enacted in 1984.

“Ang Toll Regulatory Board ay nakikipagugnayan nang mabuti dito sa  [House] committee on transportation tungkol dito sa panukalang itaas ang speed limit,” Corpuz said.

(The Toll Regulatory Board is coordinating with the committee on transportation concerning the proposal to increase the speed limit.)

Under the proposed bill, local governments have the authority to adjust the speed limits on expressways under their jurisdiction. The Department of Transportation may also change the limit on portions outside of urban areas, as well as bridges, and curved roads. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News