Things to know about toll discount starting March 23

MANILA, Philippines – Public utility vehicles, buses, and freight services will enjoy a toll discount starting Monday, March 23, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced on Friday, March 20.

The DOTr said that the discount, which will run for two months, seeks to address the rising cost of fuel due to the conflict in the Middle East. The discount period, according to DOTr, may be extended upon review.

The DOTr said the toll discount will be implemented through a rebate system, with refunds credited weekly to all qualified vehicles.

Here’s the comparison of the old and discounted rates:

Class 1 (Jeepney and Modernized Jeepney with two axles)

Class 2 (Legitimate Public Transport Operators registered with LTFRB)

Class 3 (Trucks with 3 or more axles and a height of more than 7.5 feet)

The DOTr said that vehicles must have an RFID, be registered with the LTFRB, and possess a certificate of franchise to avail.

“Tollway Concessionaires/Operators expressed that they will voluntarily implement a temporary toll discount for essential transport sectors,” said Toll Regulatory Board Executive Director Jay Art Tugade in his letter to Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez.

Lopez thanked San Miguel Corporation’s Ramon Ang and Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation’s Manny Pangilinan for the discount.

Starting March 23, there will also be a 50% discount on Manila’s Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2). – Rappler.com