PHILIPPINES – The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), the government agency that regulates all toll roads in the Philippines has recently approved the 2017 periodic toll petition of joint venture partners Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation (CIC) and Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), for the toll rate adjustments in the 14-kilometer Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX).
Under the Toll Operation Agreement between the TRB, CIC, and PRA, the CAVITEX toll rates are allowed to be periodically adjusted every three (3) years. Exercising their right, CIC and PRA filed their Petition for Approval of Periodic Toll Rate Adjustment for R-1 Expressway (Seaside to Zapote) and R-1 Expressway Extension, Segment 4 (Zapote to Kawit) before the TRB in 2017.
Upon careful consideration and diligent review of the submissions, the TRB issued its Resolution granting the Petition and allowing the implementation of the provisionally approved toll rates.
With this, starting midnight on August 21, 2023, CAVITEX motorists traveling from MIAA Exit to Longos, Bacoor (and vice versa) would be charged the following VAT-inclusive rates per vehicle class at the Parañaque Toll Plaza: Php 35.00 for Class 1, Php 70.00 for Class 2, and Php 104.00 for Class 3. Meanwhile, motorists traversing Longos, Bacoor to Kawit (and vice versa) would be charged at the Kawit Toll Plaza with Php 73.00 for Class 1, Php 146.00 for Class 2, and Php 219.00 for Class 3.
Through the years, CIC and PRA remain dedicated to enhancing and maintaining the CAVITEX, continuously striving to provide a seamless and safe travel experience for all motorists. They have jointly undertaken various enhancements, including a full asphalt overlay across the entire stretch of the expressway, the construction of the Pacific fly-over and Marina left turning facility, the widening of Las Pinas, Wawa, and Paranaque bridges, and regular heavy maintenance works, to ensure optimal road quality. To enhance the efficiency of its toll collection system, the toll road operator has implemented Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology. This advanced system utilizes smart cameras to instantly recognize and capture vehicle license plates at all toll booths, enabling seamless and fast-track cashless transactions. These improvements have greatly contributed to the safety and convenience of the 160,000 average daily motorists who rely on CAVITEX.
Mindful of the effect of the toll rate adjustment, CIC will be reactivating the Abante Card program. CIC has initiated the program specifically to support public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers who ply the CAVITEX thoroughfare, including jeepneys, UV Express, and buses. Through the program, PUV operators and drivers can enjoy the old toll rates, helping them sustain their businesses and facilitate affordable transportation options for commuters.
“We recognize the impact of the toll increase on Class 1 and Class 2 PUV drivers. That’s why we’re reactivating our Abante Card program to provide some relief during this transition. With the Abante Card, PUV drivers will have the opportunity to adjust and enjoy the old toll rates for a period of about three months. We believe this program will help alleviate the financial burden on our valued PUV drivers and provide them with a smoother transition during this time. We remain committed to supporting the PUV community and ensuring their continued success on the road,” said MPTC President and CEO Rogelio Singson.
The toll reprieve program has been designed to be user-friendly and convenient for PUV operators and drivers. Through a simple RFID enrollment process, operators can easily register their accounts in coordination with their respective transport organizations. Once enrolled, the program will automatically apply the reprieve for a duration of 90 days, starting from the first day of the implementation of the new toll rates.
Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation is a concessionaire of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, the leading tollway and mobility service provider in the country. Aside from CAVITEX, MPTC also holds concession rights for Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark Expressway (SCTEX), NLEX Connector, and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX)