Senator Sherwin Gatchalian urged the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) on Sunday to enhance their services ahead of any planned toll rate hikes, emphasizing the need for improvements by toll road operators.
The appeal comes after the TRB recently approved the second tranche of toll adjustments for the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). The policy is set to take effect this Tuesday, June 4.
Gatchalian challenged its looming implementation amid ongoing complaints from motorists about the subpar services on NLEX.
“I pass through NLEX regularly and know the situation firsthand. People usually complain about the faulty cashless reader and horrible traffic, especially during weekends or holiday breaks when there is a surge of motorists,” he stated.
The senator stressed that operators should rectify their defective cashless payment systems and implement traffic alleviation programs before any rate hike is enforced. He noted that motorists continue to endure vehicular bottlenecks, particularly near toll booths, due to these issues.
Gatchalian further pointed out that the erratic cashless payment systems significantly contribute to traffic congestion in certain areas. “Any rate adjustment on the country’s main toll roads should translate into higher service standards and better experience for motorists,” he emphasized.
