DoTr: Toll discount may be extended

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) expects toll discounts for public utility vehicles (PUVs) on expressways to reach about P80 million over two months, noting the relief may be extended amid rising fuel prices triggered by the Middle East conflict.

“In the span of two weeks, the monetary amount of the discount reached P20 million. I think it is good for (two months) and subject to another review,” Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday.

Starting March 23, toll operators Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. and San Miguel Corp. have agreed to grant two-month toll discounts in major expressways for PUVs, public utility buses and vehicles involved in freight services.

The total value of toll discounts now averages P10 million weekly, Mr. Lopez said, adding that the projection may vary depending on the number of vehicles using expressways.

The toll rate adjustments can help motorists save as much as P72, the DoTr said, noting that the discounts were provided through rebates and credited weekly to all qualified vehicles.

The toll discounts provided by toll operators are subject to review for a possible extension, Mr. Lopez said.

Further, the DoTr said that toll operators have volunteered to offer discounts, noting both companies have not sought conditions like possible concession extension.

SMC, through its unit SMC Infrastructure, operates South Luzon Expressway, Skyway system, Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway; while MPTC operates North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, and Cavite-Laguna Expressway.

MPTC is the tollway arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which is one of three key Philippine units of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT Inc.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Ashley Erika O. Jose