Skyway Stage 3 toll fees still waived

Updated Feb 01, 2021 | Same topic: Latest Traffic Updates

This is pending the final approval of the proposed rates submitted to the TRB.

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) assures the public that they can still use the newly-opened Skyway Stage 3 free of charge for the time being, as the agency has yet to approve the proposed rates submitted by toll operator San Miguel Corporation (SMC).

Skyway Stage 3 Quick Look: 22-minute drive from NAIAX to Balintawak

This was announced by TRB Spokesperson Julius Corpuz, who said that SMC will be allowed to collect toll fees only after the rates are formally approved, and the relevant toll matrix published for public dissemination.

SMC partially opened Skyway Stage 3 to the public on December 29, 2020, waiving toll fees for a month. After February 1, the company will begin charging fees for the use of the 18.3-km. elevated expressway, ranging from Php 110 to Php 274.

>>> Related: SMC working on Skyway Stage 3, NLEX Connector road link

Skyway Stage 3 section

Convenience will certainly come at a cost for many motorists

The proposed rates came as a shock to motorists, many of whom are still reeling from the economic effects brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. SMC has cited several factors in determining its recommended rates, including the increased cost of the project, legal fees, and right-of-way (ROW) acquisitions.

Corpuz said that the TRB will make every effort to strike a balance between profitability for SMC’s investment and what the motoring public can afford before making a decision. “Sinusuri po natin mabuti ang lahat ng mga kunsiderasyon upang pagka nagbigay ang ating approval ang ating pamunuan kung magkano ang toll fee na kokolektahin, ay ito sana kaging katanggap-tanggap at rasonable sa ating motorista.”

(We are looking at every consideration very carefully, so that we can issue an approval on toll rates that are acceptable and reasonable for motorists)

Skyway Stage 3 overhead

Have you tried out the Skyway Stage 3 for yourself yet?

The recommended fees submitted by SMC to the TRB apply to Class 1 vehicles. Although the board has yet to receive a formal proposal for other vehicle classfications, Corpuz says that the rates will likely be doubled for Class 2 and tripled for Class 3.

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Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

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Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

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