Toll hike takes effect on SLEX, STAR Tollway starting January 1

By Jay B. Laurino Motorists pass through the SLEX toll plaza as higher toll rates approved by the Toll Regulatory Board take effect starting...

By Jay B. Laurino

Motorists pass through the SLEX toll plaza as higher toll rates approved by the Toll Regulatory Board take effect starting January 1. (Toll Regulatory Board)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Motorists using the South Luzon Expressway and the STAR Tollway began paying higher toll fees starting January 1 after the implementation of new rates that the Toll Regulatory Board approved. The toll increase applies to all vehicle classes, including private vehicles, buses, and trucks, and covers key sections linking Metro Manila to Laguna, Batangas, and other parts of Calabarzon.

On the South Luzon Expressway, toll rates increased on major sections including Alabang to Calamba and Calamba to Sto. Tomas. For the Alabang–Calamba stretch, Class 1 vehicles now pay ₱126, while Class 2 vehicles pay ₱253 and Class 3 vehicles pay ₱379. On the Calamba–Sto. Tomas segment, the Toll Regulatory Board adjusted toll fees to ₱34 for Class 1 vehicles, ₱68 for Class 2, and ₱102 for Class 3, depending on vehicle classification and point of entry and exit.



Similar adjustments took effect on the STAR Tollway, particularly on the Sto. Tomas–Lipa and Lipa–Batangas sections. Motorists traveling between Sto. Tomas and Lipa now pay ₱60 for Class 1 vehicles, ₱119 for Class 2, and ₱179 for Class 3. For the Lipa–Batangas section, the Toll Regulatory Board set toll rates at ₱53 for Class 1 vehicles, ₱106 for Class 2, and ₱159 for Class 3.

The Toll Regulatory Board said the increase forms part of a scheduled toll increase allowed under existing toll contracts. The agency cited rising operational and maintenance costs, as well as the need to fund infrastructure upkeep and improvement works, as factors considered during the review process.

Despite the higher toll rates imposed on buses classified as Class 2 vehicles, transport authorities have not announced any corresponding adjustment in passenger fares. Fare changes for public utility buses remain subject to a separate approval process and require a formal petition by operators and review by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

For now, commuters are advised that the toll hike directly affects expressway users paying toll fees, while public transport fares remain unchanged unless formally approved by regulators. Motorists and bus operators were reminded to ensure sufficient RFID balances to avoid delays at toll plazas as the new rates take effect.