Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade has directed the Toll Regulatory Board to scrap the new Skyway toll-payment scheme, which drew flak from motorists due to the heavy traffic it has caused.
Tugade said the new toll-collection system must not be put in place until it could be assured that it is implemented smoothly.
This after the Skyway management has reverted to its old “pay as you enter” scheme effective Tuesday night.
“These changes have to be communicated well to the public. We cannot afford confusion on the road because that will surely result in congestion. “Dapat mas mabilis ang biyahe, sa mga expressway kaya nga ‘express.’ Ang mga karagdagang toll plaza, dapat nagpapabilis din ng biyahe, and not the other way around [Travel in the expressway should be faster that’s why it’s called ‘express.’ The additional toll plaza should ease travel and not the other way around],” Tugade said in a news statement issued on Wednesday.
“In governance, public convenience always comes first. It’s always public good over regulation,” he added.
The old toll-payment scheme is applicable for private vehicles coming from Alabang, Sucat and Bicutan.
Only Class 2 vehicles, such as buses and delivery vans, will be required to utilize the Runway Toll Plaza for cash payments.
Skyway operator O&M Corp. has apologized for any inconvenience caused by the new system and appealed for understanding from the public.
On January 27 a modified toll-collection system has been implemented alongside with the opening of the new toll plaza on the northbound section of the elevated Skyway.
Under the new payment scheme, motorists should stop at two toll booths – the payment booth and the new toll booth where they will surrender their payment slips.
The Skyway management said the new runway toll plaza was intended to facilitate faster toll collection and handle increased traffic volume.