DOTr: No toll hike while we battle the pandemic

The leadership of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) assured motorists that no toll hike will be implemented while the country grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade made the declaration following the signing of the Supplemental Toll Operations Agreement (STOA) for the Pasig River Expressway (PAREX).

He said that while he understands the clamor of tollway operators for the adjustment to generate revenue that would sustain their operations, the department — through the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) — must also uphold and protect the interest of the public.

“We need to strike a good balance. Yung pangangailangan ng mga investors, ‘yung mga kakayanan ng publiko. Kailangan ‘ho ibalanse yan (We need to strike a good balance between the needs of the investors and the public’s capability),” Tugade noted.

Tugade also said that the DOTr may approve toll rate hikes, but these will be implemented at a later date.

The PAREX project will be a 19.4-kilometer, six-lane elevated expressway that will rise along the banks of the Pasig River.

This is expected to connect the Radial Road-10 in Manila, EDSA, and C5, will decongest traffic volume in Rizal, Cainta, and Marikina and will also be an alternative access to Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Photos from Ruben D. Manahan IV, Department of Transportation

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