‘Amid inflation, Nlex toll hike vexing’

SENATE Minority Leader Aquilino Martin “Koko” Pimentel III prodded the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) and the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex) Corp. to “put on hold the provisional increase in toll rates” amid worsening traffic conditions on the expressway and the “added burden of inflation” inflicted on the Filipino people.

In a statement issued last Tuesday, Pimentel III picked up the cudgel “on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of motorists plying” the Nlex.

“I appeal for some considerations and reprieve on the proposed increased toll rates,” the opposition lawmaker said. “Our people are still grappling with the effects of inflation and, therefore, implementing a toll increase at these challenging times would exacerbate their economic hardships.”

Pimentel III pointed out that the TRB just recently approved a provisional increase in toll rates at Nlex, wherein Class 1 vehicles (car, jeepney, van or pickup) will have to pay an additional P7 in Nlex’s open system effective June 15, P17 for Class 2 vehicles (bus and light trucks), and P19 for Class 3 vehicles (heavy and trailer trucks). Nlex’s open system covers Balintawak in Caloocan, Mindanao Avenue and Marilao in Bulacan.

The Senate Minority Leader noted that in the Nlex closed system, starting at Marilao to Santa Ines in Mabalacat City, motorists will pay an additional P26 for Class 1, P65 for Class 2 and P11 for Class 3.

“Any increase at this point would be unjustifiable and unfair to the motorists who have to deal with sometimes Edsa-like traffic on the expressway, specifically from Balintawak to Meycauayan,” Pimentel III protested.

Bago sila humingi ng dagdag na bayad, ayusin muna nila ang trapik sa Nlex,” the lawmaker suggested. [Before they ask for extra fees, they should fix the traffic in Nlex first.]

Pimentel III said he is calling on the management of Nlex Corp. “to address this perennial traffic buildup on our major expressway.”

The Senate Minority Leader cited the firm’s data that at least 280,000 vehicles use the Nlex on a daily basis.

“It has come to our attention that traffic congestion on Nlex has become a recurring problem that causes delays and inconvenience for motorists,” the opposition senator added, citing additional reports reaching his office.

In turn, Pimentel III called on the TRB to prioritize the interests of the public and ensure that the toll rates remain fair and reasonable.

“To approve a provisional increase in light of these serious traffic concerns and the worsening inflation in the country is a disservice to the Filipino people,” the Senate Minority Leader added, stressing that “it is time that the government provides some relief to our motorists,” he added. Butch Fernandez