Upon Guv Gwen’s request, CCLEX defers toll fee increase

Local

CEBU Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has managed to convince the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) to delay the imposition of toll fee increase at the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).

In a meeting at the Capitol, Garcia asked CCLEC President and General Manager Allan Alfon to postpone the toll hike until the Cebu Provincial Government is represented in the Local Toll Regulatory Council (LTRC).

Currently, the council comprises representatives from the Cebu City Government, the Cordova town, and the private sector.

Garcia emphasized that the provincial government should have a role in decision-making, considering that many CCLEX users come from Cebu Province.

Alfon agreed to the request, affirming that CCLEC is open to collaborating with government partners. He acknowledged that it was a fair approach, noting that the corporation consistently works closely with the government.

To address the governor’s request, an amendment to the concession agreements with CCLEX is already underway to ensure the Province of Cebu is represented in the LTRC.

This is intended to balance the current representation, which only includes Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City outside of the province’s jurisdiction.

CCLEC had previously applied for a toll increase ranging from P8 to P51 for different vehicle categories. Under the proposal, the toll for Class 1 vehicles would rise from P90 to P107, while Class 2 and Class 3 vehicles would see their fees increase from P180 to P214 and from P270 to P321, respectively. Motorcycles, or Class 1M vehicles, would face a toll hike from P60 to P68.

However, with Garcia’s request, the toll hike is now on hold until the provincial government gains representation in the LTRC, allowing the new members to participate in decision-making regarding the toll fee adjustments.

Inaugurated in April 2022, CCLEX is the third bridge linking Cebu City to Mactan Island, specifically connecting to the Municipality of Cordova. Spanning 8.9 kilometers, it is the longest and tallest bridge in the Philippines.

The expressway was built to alleviate traffic congestion between Cebu City and Mactan, offering a faster alternative for motorists.

The project was implemented by CCLEC, a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, under a public-private partnership with the local government units of Cebu City and Cordova. The iconic bridge features a cable-stayed design, making it a landmark structure in Cebu.(MyTVCebu)