Pimentel calls for NLEx toll hike freeze: Fix ‘Edsa-like’ problem first

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III wants the “Edsa-like” traffic on the North Luzon Express (NLEx) fixed first before burdening motorists with any toll rate increase.

Starting Thursday, June 15, an additional P7 to P98, depending on the type of vehicle and distance, will be imposed on motorists plying the NLEx.

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) recently approved the temporary increase.

But according to Pimentel, the TRB and the NLEx Corporation should put this provisional toll hike on hold in light of the “worsening traffic conditions on the expressway and the burden of inflation faced by the Filipino people.”

“On behalf of the hundreds of thousands of motorists plying the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), I appeal for some considerations and reprieve on the proposed increased toll rates,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.

Implementing a toll increase when Filipinos are already grappling with the effects of inflation would “exacerbate their economic hardships,” the senator also said.

“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 said.

“Bago sila humingi ng dagdag na bayad, ayusin muna nila ang trapik sa NLEx (Before they ask for additional payment, they should first fix the traffic on NLEx). I call on the management of NLEx to address this perennial traffic buildup on our major expressway,” he stressed.

At least 280,000 vehicles are plying through the major expressway daily, the senator noted, citing NLEx’s data.

Pimentel then 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,” he said.

“It is time that the government provides some relief to our motorists,” the senator added.

je/abc