SCTEX Toll Hike: What Travelers Need to Know for November 2024

Road trips through Central Luzon are about to get more expensive as the second phase of toll fee adjustments on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) takes effect on November 19, 2024. Approved by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), the increase adds ₱0.64 per kilometre, impacting all classes of vehicles.

Also read: Heads Up, Drivers! NLEX Price Hike to Roll Out This June

What you need to know about the SCTEX toll hike

For Class 1 vehicles, such as cars and SUVs, the toll fee for travel from Mabiga to Tarlac will increase from ₱180 to ₱205. A trip from Mabiga to Tipo, including the Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX), will now cost ₱367, up from ₱289. Meanwhile, the toll for the Tipo to Tarlac route will rise from ₱469 to ₱571.

Larger vehicles, like Class 2 and Class 3, will also see significant increases. Class 2 vehicles, including buses, will pay ₱409 (up from ₱359) for Mabiga to Tarlac, ₱753 (up from ₱579) for Mabiga to Tipo via SFEX, and ₱1,162 (up from ₱938) for Tipo to Tarlac. Class 3 vehicles, such as trucks, will pay ₱614 (up from ₱539), ₱1,101 (up from ₱868), and ₱1,715 (up from ₱1,407) for the same routes.

The adjustment, according to the TRB, is part of a three-phase toll hike aimed at ensuring SCTEX meets the required service standards. Toll revenues will be used by NLEX Corporation, the operator of SCTEX, to maintain the expressway’s quality and operational efficiency.

This hike follows a similar increase in October 2023, with the final phase scheduled for 2025. Once implemented, road trips along SCTEX could see even higher toll fees, making long drives through Central Luzon a pricier endeavour.

For travellers heading to Subic, Clark, Tarlac, or other parts of Central Luzon, these toll hikes are a reminder to adjust your travel budgets. Consider alternative routes or carpooling options to reduce costs, especially for frequent trips.

While the SCTEX offers convenience and time savings, the rising toll costs may prompt some to explore other travel methods, particularly for non-urgent trips. For those planning weekend getaways or business trips, factoring in the updated fees is crucial.

Also read: NLEX Connector Toll Hike: What’s Changing for Motorists

As the final toll adjustments approach in 2025, SCTEX travellers should prepare for further increases, making early budgeting a practical step for smooth and stress-free journeys.

All image credit goes to NLEX | Official Website