The Skyway from Bicutan to Alabang remains toll-free until April 24, Easter Sunday.

Operators of the Manila-Cavite Coastal Road will allow motorists free use of the Zapote-Kawit extension until May 1.

Kris Bayos, Manila Bulletin

TRB Spokesman Julius Corpuz said the Board has given the go signal to Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corporation and Skyway Operations and Management Corporation to charge Class 1 vehicles like private cars P65 for the use of the elevated Skyway from Buendia, Makati, to Bicutan, Parañaque; P41 from Bicutan to Sucat; and P41 from Sucat to Alabang.The TRB also approved the adjusted toll rates for the at-grade Skyway (ground level). Class 1 vehicles will soon be charged P44 from Magallanes to Bicutan; P31 for Bicutan to Sucat; and P31 from Sucat to Alabang. For Class 2 vehicles, the rate is twice that of Class 1; while the rate for Class 3 vehicles is thrice that of Class 1.

Corpuz said the TRB-approved toll rates are lower than what CMMTC and SOMCO had earlier applied for. The new Skyway toll rates will be implemented starting April 25.

“The approved toll rates are lower than those proposed by Skyway operators and were computed without income tax holiday incentives,” he said.

The TRB also granted the application of the UEM Mara Philippines Corporation and PEA Tollways Corporation, investor and operator of the Manila-Cavite Coastal Road, for the initial toll rate for the expressway's 7-kilometer extension from Zapote to Kawit.

Since no oppositor came during the public hearing last April 5, the TRB approved the initial toll rate application for the Coastal Road extension: P58 for Class 1 vehicles, P116 for Class 2 vehicles and P174 for Class 3 vehicles.

“These new rates will be effective come May 1. But motorists have to be informed that there is no increase at existing coastal road from Airport Road to Zapote,” Corpuz clarified.

Toll rates for the elevated Skyway from Buendia to Bicutan currently stands at P85 for Class 1 vehicles, P170 for Class 2, and P255 for Class 3 vehicles.

Toll rates for the at-grade Skyway is R51 from Magallanes to Bicutan; R36 from Bicutan to Sucat;, and R36 from Sucat to Alabang.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has allowed 644 public utility buses (PUBs) to ply provincial routes in time for the Holy Week.

LTFRB Chairman Nelson Laluces said the special permits that the agency awarded to at least 234 PUB operators will be effective from April 17 to 25 to accommodate the bulk of commuters going to and from the provinces.

Without the special permit, LTFRB Board Member Manuel Iway said any PUB caught plying routes outside of its authorized lines may be penalized for operating out-of-line. As a consequence of operating colorum vehicles, operators may be fined P6,000 for the first and second offenses and run the risk of losing their franchise third offense.