THE North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) tollways operator once again showed its inefficiency and traffic mismanagement on Feb. 14. Yet, it was just another routine day for Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) officials.
People traveling that day on NLEx shared their experiences on social media, and these provided real-world accounts of the traffic delays. Multiple motorists described very slow travel throughout the expressway due to traffic volume and bottlenecks, reporting travel times that stretched far longer than usual. Many referenced the lane closure at the Meycauayan area (single lane or partial closure) as a key reason for the buildup, comparing it to earlier bridge work issues in other parts of NLEx.
Some users said what might normally have been a six-hour trip turned into eight-plus hours because traffic hardly moved in several points, especially in the Balintawak-to-Meycauayan segment (@acidcitrate: “Yeah kagabi pauwi kami Pangasinan. A. Bonifacio papasok ng Balintawak halos walang galawan, then from Balintawak to I think Valenzuela I think nasa 30-40kph lang takbo so instead na 6 hrs na usual na biyahe namin inabot ng 8”). Others said leaving early (e.g., morning) did not entirely avoid congestion — slow sections persisted throughout the day (@curiouspotatogal: “Bumiyahi kami ng 10AM pa-QC from Malolos, nakarating ng 12noon na. Umuwi from SM North ng 3PM, dumating sa Tabang ng 6PM. Aray kooo.”). Another user (@sneakqui) shared a video and complaint about a truck driving recklessly along NLEx that day, which added to the stress and danger on the congested expressway.
Paying a toll is essentially paying for efficiency. If efficiency disappears, people start questioning what exactly they’re paying for. Are motorists getting value for what they pay? If a two-hour trip becomes five hours because of poor lane management, weak traffic control, or poorly timed roadworks, then the value proposition collapses. You’re no longer paying for efficiency; you’re paying for access.
Ironic toll hike
The most recent toll fee increase on the NLEx took effect on Jan. 20, 2026. This adjustment was authorized by the TRB and involved higher toll rates across both the open and closed systems, representing the second and final tranche of periodic toll adjustments (which according to NLEX Corp. was originally scheduled for 2023).
Under this latest hike, motorists pay about P6 more in the open system (e.g., Balintawak to Marilao) and an increased per-kilometer rate in the closed system (from Bocaue northwards). The adjustment applies to all vehicle classes and affects tolls throughout NLEX, including longer trips from Metro Manila to Pampanga.
The toll fee adjustment was explained by the NLEx operator and TRB as part of maintaining and improving the expressway’s operations and infrastructure. The toll adjustment supposedly helps fund routine maintenance, repairs, resurfacing and safety enhancements across the NLEx network. This purportedly ensures the tollway remains safe, reliable and in good condition for motorists, especially as traffic volumes grow. TRB and NLEX Corp. emphasized that periodic toll rate adjustments help ensure the expressway can operate sustainably over the long term, providing consistent service quality, emergency response capabilities and upgrades as traffic needs evolve.
However, with what happened on Feb. 14, it seems that the toll hike was for naught — and the TRB is not doing anything about it. The unacceptable traffic congestion, travel time delays and inefficient traffic management remain a feature at NLEx. What service quality are we talking about?
A toll road must deliver premium service. If it performs like an ordinary congested highway, the toll fee becomes unjustified.
TRB should do its regulatory work
The TRB is supposed to be the referee between the government, private toll operators (like NLEX Corp.) and the public. They don’t just “allow” toll hikes at will — they are supposed to evaluate whether the increase is contractually justified.
TRB oversees private concessionaires that build and operate expressways, ensuring their compliance with franchise agreements. It checks if operators meet service, safety and maintenance requirements. It also monitors performance standards and imposes sanctions or penalties for noncompliance with key performance indicators.
In theory — and this is important — TRB exists not only to protect investor returns but also to protect the riding public. If traffic is bad, service is poor or toll hikes feel unjustified, TRB is one of the agencies accountable for oversight. In reality, TRB fails in its regulatory and oversight functions.
Acting Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez must investigate the TRB officials for their continuing failure to effectively regulate tollways and safeguard the public interest. But expectations should be tempered — meaningful reforms and decisive actions were constantly absent at TRB.
Anyway, this is not about personalities but about performance. The riding public deserves a regulator that prioritizes service, safety and fairness — and real accountability must begin at the top.
allinsight.manilatimes@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/All.Insight.Manila.Times
Viber: (0915)4201085