Motorists who frequently take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) will have to shell out more when heading to Central and Northern Luzon. This comes after NLEX Corporation announced that beginning June 4, 2024, they will be imposing toll rate hikes across the board.

Recently, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) authorized the implementation of the 2nd tranche of the approved NLEX 2018 & 2020 consolidated petitions for periodic toll rate adjustments. Under the new toll fee matrix, motorists traveling anywhere within the open system will pay an additional PHP 5 for Class 1 vehicles, PHP 14 for Class 2 vehicles, and PHP 17 for Class 3.  The open system covers those traveling from Balintawak, Caloocan City to Marilao, Bulacan.

On the other hand, motorists traveling NLEX end-to-end between Metro Manila and Mabalacat City in Pampanga will pay an extra PHP 27 for Class 1, PHP 68 for Class 2, and PHP 81 for Class 3. The closed system covers the portion between Bocaue, Bulacan & Sta. Ines, Mabalacat City, Pampanga including Subic-Tipo.

The additional rates, which followed strict compliance with regulatory procedures and underwent thorough review, were part of the approved periodic adjustments of NLEX due in 2019 and 2021. The increase was deferred and divided into two tranches to help curb the inflationary strains and ease the impact on expressway users. The TRB actually authorized the first implementation (or 50%) of the approved toll rate adjustments last May 25, 2023.

Those who will be taking NLEX before June 4 better take advantage of the current toll rates before the increase takes effect next week.