Skyway 3: SMC’s president and CEO Ramon S. Ang says that, even for shorter trips, the revised toll matrix, approved by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), has lower rates. PHOTO/SMC Media Affairs
MANILA, Philippines — Nearly seven months after opening its 18-kilometer Skyway Stage 3 project free of charge, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) will start charging tolls on the new elevated expressway on July 12.
SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang said that the revised toll matrix, as approved by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), is lower than the tolls originally proposed, particularly for shorter trips.
The final approved toll rates will be posted at the toll plazas before toll collection begins, said Ang.
“We thank the TRB for helping us determine the most equitable toll rates for our motorists. We know from experience that times are hard for many, and even a little relief for motorists can go a long way,” Ang said in a statement.
“These toll rates reflect our deferral of the collection of a substantial amount of the cost to build Skyway 3. We also further lowered the rates for those traveling shorter distances,” he added.
Ang said the tolls it would collect would provide the company revenues to ensure continued efficient operations, maintenance, and safe driving conditions on the elevated expressway.
Ang noted that with the start of toll collection, the government can now generate significant income from the expressway since tolls are subject to a 12 percent value-added tax.
As a prelude to the soft opening of Skyway 3 at the end of December 2020, SMC had opened the Buendia to Plaza Dilao section of the elevated expressway in July 2019 and the northbound Quirino off-ramp in December of that same year.
Skyway Stage 3 has also made it possible for motorists to experience seamless travel between the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).
“We aggressively pursued the completion of Skyway 3 despite all of the obstacles, including right-of-way issues, because our people need a long-term solution to traffic,” Ang said.
“We believe it can also help boost our economy over the long term as it provides, finally, a seamless connection between North and South Luzon. With the same dedication, we will pursue other major road and mass transport projects to benefit our countrymen,” he added.