House resolution seeks 6-month freeze or reduction in SLEX tolls

A LEGISLATOR filed a resolution Monday seeking to suspend or lower tolls charged on users of South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) while the road is experiencing severe congestion.

“Magkaroon ng suspension o reduction o pagpapababa ng toll fees diyan sa SLEX habang nakakaranas ang ating mga kababayan ng matinding traffic (I propose a suspension or reduction in toll rates on SLEX while users experience severe road congestion along the highway,” Representative Sol Aragones of Laguna’s 3rd district told reporters after she filed House Resolution No. 428.

In her resolution, Ms. Aragones said that commuters should be given relief citing the on-going construction of the Skyway extension which led to the closure of some lanes in SLEX.

She said the proposed resolution will be effective for six months, and the final form of road user relief to depend on the outcome of further talks.

“Ang nilagay muna natin dito ay six months muna, bagamat magkakaroon pa rin naman tayo ng mga hearings (What I am proposing is six months, though we may need to await the outcome of the hearings),” Ms. Aragones said.

Meanwhile, the House transportation committee approved in September a resolution recommending the creation of a traffic crisis inter-agency management council that will address road congestion in Metro Manila. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras