Photo credit: NLEX

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has greenlit the implementation of the second tranche of toll adjustments for the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), combining approved petitions from 2018 and 2020. Effective June 4, 2024, motorists traversing the open system, spanning from Balintawak, Caloocan City to Marilao, Bulacan, will face incremental toll fees. For Class 1 vehicles like regular cars and SUVs, an additional ₱5.00 will be levied, while Class 2 vehicles, encompassing buses and small trucks, will incur a ₱14.00 increase. Class 3 vehicles will see a ₱17.00 rise in toll charges.

Notably, commuters journeying end-to-end between Metro Manila and Mabalacat City will encounter higher toll charges: ₱27.00 for Class 1 vehicles, ₱68.00 for Class 2, and ₱81.00 for Class 3.

These adjustments, following rigorous regulatory procedures and thorough review, were originally scheduled for 2019 and 2021 but were deferred and split into two phases to alleviate inflationary pressures and mitigate the impact on expressway users. The first tranche, representing 50% of the approved toll adjustments, was enacted on May 25, 2023.

In the period from 2018 to 2020, NLEX undertook various infrastructure and enhancement projects, enhancing safety and convenience for motorists. Key initiatives included the expansion of exits, drainage enhancements, bridge retrofitting, signalization, and pedestrian/tricycle overpass construction, among others.

Moreover, NLEX has been actively investing in expansion projects to support economic growth and improve travel conditions. Recent endeavors include the opening of the F. Raymundo Exit in Meycauayan and the widening of the Meycauayan northbound exit ramp. Additionally, the completion of the Candaba Third Viaduct and the commencement of construction on the NLEX-C5 link and NLEX San Fernando to SCTEX Spur are poised to further decongest traffic and enhance travel efficiency.