The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that the country’s toll operators have agreed to grant discounted rates to qualified public utility vehicles (PUVs) and freight services using the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX), Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (CAVITEX), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), and Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) tollways.

The discounted rates will take effect today, March 23, run for two months, and will be delivered through weekly rebates. This comes as welcome news, especially as the country grapples with the severe economic impact of the US-led conflict in the Middle East.

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) said toll operators will roll out temporary discounts for key transport sectors, following a voluntary commitment from concessionaires. In a letter to Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez, TRB Executive Director Jay Art Tugade said operators “will voluntarily implement a temporary toll discount for essential transport sectors.”

The reduced rates will cover Class 1 PUVs such as jeepneys, Class 2 public utility buses (PUBs), and Class 3 freight vehicles involved in logistics and the movement of essential goods.

Lopez said the move will ease the burden on drivers and commuters while helping stabilize fares and the cost of goods. Lopez also thanked Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corporation and Manny Pangilinan of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, saying the toll relief will benefit PUV drivers, commuters, consumers, and businesses amid the ongoing fuel crisis.

As of this writing, the Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway (TPLEX), Skyway, Skyway 3, C5 Link, Harbor Link Expressway, Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), and the Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) remain excluded from the temporary toll reprieve program.