Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) plans to provide free toll access on its Connector Road once the EDSA rehabilitation project begins in June 2025, its chairman said Tuesday.
MPTC chairman Manuel Pangilinan made the remarks after San Miguel Corp. agreed to provide toll-free access on parts of Skyway Stage 3 during the EDSA reconstruction.
“I think we also have a connector. Maybe we should do the same thing,” Pangilinan said.
“I think San Miguel has taken the lead there. It was a good lead that they’ve done. And I think we should follow their example. To help you out in the traffic situation, I guess, for the next two years or so,” he said.
The 7.70-kilometer NLEX-SLEX Connector Road links the end of NLEX Segment 10 at Circumferential Road 3 (C-3) in Caloocan to the end of Manila Skyway Stage 3 in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
The Department of Transportation earlier announced that motorists would be able to enjoy passing through some parts of the Skyway Stage 3 for free, to help decongest EDSA during the rebuild works.
“We understand that this temporary arrangement might result in loss of income to SMC, the operator of Skyway,” the DOTr said.
The DOTr and the Toll Regulator Board said they are exploring options to grant SMC some reprieve, including possible extension of their concession agreement with the government.
“The DOTr also looks forward to this bayanihan opportunity with the private sector, to somehow ease the burden of motorists and passengers while we are continuously making EDSA better, safer and more convenient for everyone,” it said.
The DOTr and TRB said they are working to identify measures that would mitigate the projected revenue loss for San Miguel due to the planned “toll holiday” on select segments of Skyway Stage 3.
The DOTr said it looks forward to this “bayanihan” (community spirit) opportunity with the private sector to “somehow ease the burden of motorists and passengers while making EDSA better, safer and more convenient for everyone.”
