The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is considering to collect a standard toll fee on EDSA starting next year to address congestion and serve as a revenue-generating measure.
In an interview with The Chiefs on One News, DOTr Road Sector consultant Asec. Bert Suansing revealed that the department is studying the possibility of imposing a toll fee on EDSA during peak hours. It is hoped that this will reduce the volume of vehicles in Metro Manila’s main highway, as well as generate revenues for the government.
“By the way, as far as EDSA is concerned, maisaayos lang naming yung public transport sa EDSA, we will also be introducing yung parang sa Singapore na tolling. Let’s say for example, 13 hours of the day, from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m. and then again in 4 p.m. to about 9 p.m. pag dumaan ka dyan sa stretch ng EDSA, say from Quezon Ave. hanggang sa Roxas Boulevard, you have to pay toll. That’s both a volume-reduction and revenue-generating measure” Suansing explained.
The official also said that RFID technology will be used for toll collection.
When asked by the host if imposing a toll on EDSA would require prior Congress approval, Suansing said it may not be necessary.
“Ano lang yan, ang tingin namin dyan Metro Manila lang naman yan, MMDA ano lang yan,” he said.
Under the plan, LGUs won’t be able to dictate their own toll charges. Rather, there will be a standard rate, no matter which part of EDSA a motorist uses.
“Ang mangyayari diyan uniform yung charge, that’s why X pesos. Pag pumasok ka dyan, ano yan, yung tinatawag nating open system. Pag pumasok ka diyan and kahit saan ka lumabas, ang babayaran mo X pesos,” Suansing discusses.
The department looks to implement the measure next year; as public transport issues needs to be ironed out first before moving forward with the plan.
“Mga next year na yan. Kasi you can only do that if you have an efficient transport facility sa corridor na yan,” Suansing concludes.