Motorists who frequently take the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) will have to shell out more when they use the toll road starting September 9, 2025.

This comes after the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) approved the implementation of the third and final tranche of toll rate adjustments for SCTEX, which were originally due in 2021 and 2023, respectively.

Beginning tomorrow, motorists will have to pay an additional PHP 0.64 per kilometer for Class 1, PHP 1.29 per kilometer for Class 2, and PHP 1.93 per kilometer for Class 3. This means  Class 1 motorists traveling from Mabalacat City (Mabiga Interchange) to Tarlac will have to shell out an additional PHP 25. Meanwhile, Class 2 and Class 3 vehicles traveling the same route will have to pay an additional PHP 51 and PHP 75, respectively.

On the other hand, motorists who are heading from Mabalacat to Tipo, Hermosa, Bataan (near Subic Freeport), will be charged an additional PHP 40, PHP 80, and PHP 121 for Class 1, 2, and 3 vehicles, respectively. Last but not least, those traveling the entire stretch of SCTEX from Tipo to Tarlac will have to pay an extra PHP 66 for Class 1, PHP 131 for Class 2, and PHP 197 for Class 3.

While the increase in toll rates may affect motorists' budgets, NLEX Corporation has shared that various infrastructure and enhancement projects have been implemented along SCTEX to further improve motorists’ safety. These include the completion of the New Clark City Interchange, which now serves as an alternate route for motorists heading to Capas, Bamban, and New Clark City in Tarlac.

The RFID and toll systems also underwent significant upgrades, including the conversion to Neology antennas and stickers. According to the tollway operator, the new sensors have better readability rates, which translates to faster transactions at toll plazas. Additional CCTV cameras and speed monitoring systems were also installed across the expressway to improve traffic law enforcement and strengthen road safety.

The Porac-Gumain Bridge underwent repairs, and mitigation efforts at the Pasig-Potrero Bridge remain ongoing to maintain its structural integrity and ensure motorists’ safety.

For motorists who will use SCTEX starting September 9, better load up your RFID accounts and take heed of the increased toll rates.