Discount for Skyway, SLEX begins today

Starting today, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will issue pass cards that will entitle passenger buses to a P40 discount when using the Skyway and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

LTFRB chairman Dante Lantion said yesterday the pass cards will be issued only to duly-franchised buses that are authorized to operate the Skyway and SLEX routes.

"The Philippine National Construction Corp. (PNCC) has allocated only P120,000 daily for this. We have to make do with that amount so we have to screen those that will be given the pass cards," Lantion noted.

Last July 26, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) implemented the second stage of the provisional toll increase of nearly 50 percent, triggering protest actions from transport groups and homeowners associations in the South. The first stage of the adjustment was implemented last Jan. 2.

Motorist and transport groups have threatened to spearhead a series of mass actions until the government rolls back the toll rate. This prompted President Arroyo and Congress to call for a probe.

To appease disgruntled transport groups pending the result of an investigation, the PNCC decided to offer the toll discount.

Under the discount scheme, passenger buses will be entitled to P40 lower toll when they use the Skyway and SLEX.

"The discount will be equivalent to the January level, but only the duly-accredited buses will receive the pass cards," Lantin stressed. – Sheila Crisostomo