Updated July 12, 2009 12:00 AM [ philstar.com ]
MANILA, Philippines - Skyway developer, Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corp. responded to address the concerns raised by some motorists over the longer travel time at the Skyway System because of the ongoing construction of the Skyway Stage 2 Project. CMMTC is complying with the order of the Department of Transportation and Communications and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) to reduce the toll rates not by 10 percent but by 23.5 percent on the elevated section of the Skyway from Buendia to Bicutan.
After reviewing the 10 percent toll reduction earlier announced by DOTC, TRB and CMMTC agreed to reduce the toll rate on the elevated section from P85 to P65 for Class 1 vehicles, P170 to P130 for Class 2, and P255 to P195 for Class 3 vehicles to be implemented starting at 12:01 a.m. on July 14.
A 23.5 percent or P20 discount on the elevated section was deemed a better remedy to the traffic situation than the 10 percent rate reduction of P8.50 on the elevated section and P6.50 on the at-grade sections. A lower at-grade toll rate will only attract more vehicles on the already congested road from Bicutan to Alabang. Whereas a 23.5 percent discount on the elevated section is expected to attract vehicles from the congested at-grade section.
The construction of the 6.88-km. elevated toll road from Bicutan to Alabang is on track. Traffic is expected to improve along the area where columns have been completed because the space taken up by the construction of the foundation system could again be used as travel lane by motorists. CMMTC and its main contractor, D. M. Consunji, Inc., are working on accelerated pace to complete the project ahead of schedule so that the motorists can start enjoying the benefits of Stage 2.
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