Look at the higher, more expensive NLEX Connector fees starting October 15, 2024
Tomorrow will see a significant across-the-board increase in NLEX Connector toll fees. As of October 15, 2024, Vehicle Classes 1 to 3 will have to pay a higher amount at the gates when traveling from C3 to Espana/Magsaysay or vice versa. You can see the new prices, and how much will be added on as you read further below.
NLEX Connector Fare hike effective October 15, 2024
Photo: NLEX Corporation
By the time the clock strikes midnight, the prices you see above will already take effect. A PHP 33 increase will be applied to the Class 1 Vehicle toll fee, whereas Class 2 Vehicles (buses and small trucks) will see a bigger increase of PHP 84. Class 3 Vehicles (large trucks), however, will bear the biggest brunt with a PHP 116 increase from the previous toll fee. The toll adjustment is part of the program to collect the opening toll for the NLEX Connector on a staggered basis to cushion the impact to expressway users.
Photo: DOF
Since it was opened, the NLEX Connector has been seen to greatly reduce the travel times of those heading toward Manila from the north, and vice versa. From a much longer time pre-NLEX Connector, travel time between C3 in Caloocan and Magsaysay Boulevard in Manila now takes only 7 minutes. This all-elevated expressway provides an alternative route for all vehicle classes while also bolstering job and business opportunities in the areas it cuts through by improving accessibility to and from the north.
Photo: Department of Public Works and Highways
The NLEX Connector fees that we will see until today – the tollway’s initial rates – were implemented in 2023, four months since the the opening of the Caloocan to España Section in March. Even after Section 2 from España to Magsaysay Boulevard was opened in October 2023, the toll rates remained the same. Tomorrow is the first adjustment since then, and we should also be aware that the full rates will be implemented once the NLEX Connector Project is completed.
Yes, eventually, it will become more expensive.
For now, let’s be thankful for what we’ve been paying for, and for whatever lower NLEX Connector toll fees we will have to start paying beginning tomorrow. We are excited for the entire project to be completed, but we can’t say the same about the higher anticipated toll fees. We can’t have it all, after all. And besides, they’ll need it to maintain the tollway, right?
