IN response to President Marcos’ directive to mitigate the economic impact of rising energy costs, the country’s two major expressway concessionaires, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), are set to launch a temporary toll discount program for public utility vehicles (PUVs) and freight services.
This initiative, commencing on March 23, aims to provide much-needed relief to the logistics and transport sectors for an initial period of two months.
The program, as stated by Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) Executive Director Jay Art Tugade in a letter to Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, is a choice made by the operators to help important transport sectors struggling with fluctuating fuel prices, which have been worsened by conflicts in the Middle East.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) anticipates that this measure will help stabilize commuter fares and prevent significant price increases in basic commodities that rely heavily on expressway networks for distribution.
Savings will vary based on vehicle classification. Class 1 PUVs, such as jeepneys, can expect savings of up to P18 per end-to-end trip. Class 2 public utility buses may save up to P47 per trip, while Class 3 heavy vehicles engaged in freight and logistics services could see reductions of as much as P72 per trip. These discounts will be facilitated through a weekly rebate system, with the credited savings applied to the radio frequency identification (RFID) accounts of eligible vehicles.
Transportation Secretary Bautista lauded the cooperation of SMC President Ramon Ang and MPTC Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, highlighting the program’s timely arrival for drivers and consumers who are particularly sensitive to global oil market fluctuations.
While the program is initially set for 60 days, the DOTr has indicated that its duration is subject to review and potential extension, contingent upon prevailing economic conditions and fuel price trends.
This effort forms part of a larger government strategy to manage inflationary pressures within the domestic supply chain and ensure the uninterrupted flow of essential goods across Luzon’s major expressways.
