Second round of SLEX toll hike took effect Aug. 19 —TRB

Motorists using the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) were greeted with higher fees after the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) authorized the concessionaire to collect the second tranche of rate hikes.

In a statement, the TRB said that it approved the first periodic toll rate adjustments at the SLEX since 2011, covering 2012 and 2014 petitions, through a consolidated resolution dated May 17, 2023.

The toll road regulator directed that the rate adjustments be implemented in two tranches—in 2023 and 2024—to protect the general welfare, curb the existing inflationary situation, and mitigate its impact on the motoring public.

Upon compliance with the publication and posting of bond requirements, the TRB said it issued the Notice to Start Collection for the second tranche on August 1, 2024.

SMC SLEX Inc. and Manila Toll Expressway Systems Inc. (MATES) then notified the TRB that they planned to collect the second tranche of toll rate adjustments starting August 19, 2024.

With this, motorists traveling from Alabang to Calamba will pay an additional P10 for Class 1, P20 for Class 2, and P30 for Class 3.

Meanwhile, those traveling from Calamba to Sto. Tomas, Batangas will pay an additional P2, P6, P8 for Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3, respectively.

The first tranche of adjustments were implemented on November 3, 2023.

Similar hikes were implemented last year, such as the additional P10 for Class 1, P20 for Class 2, and P30 for Class 3 vehicles for motorists traveling from Alabang to Calamba.

Likewise, toll rates were adjusted by P4 to P8 depending on vehicle class for those traveling from Calamba to Sto. Tomas. — VBL, GMA Integrated News