Southern Luzon motorists are set to face slightly higher travel costs beginning July 1, 2026. Case in point: the second tranche of toll adjustments takes effect on the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and STAR Tollway.
The increase completes a two-stage adjustment approved by the Traffic Regulatory Board (TRB) earlier this year, with the first tranche having already been implemented in January. As opposed to introducing the full increase in one go, TRB opted to spread the adjustment across two periods to lessen the immediate burden on motorists and transport operators.
Under the revised rates, Class 1 vehicles such as passenger cars will now pay P137 when traveling from Alabang to Calamba and P37 for the Calamba to Sto. Tomas segment. Motorists traveling the entire Alabang to Sto. Tomas route will pay P174, representing an additional P14 over previous rates.
Class 2 vehicles, including buses and light trucks, will see end-to-end tolls rise to P348. Meanwhile, Class 3 vehicles such as heavy trucks and trailers will pay P522 for the full journey.
While the additional cost may seem modest for occasional travelers, the impact becomes more noticeable for motorists who use the expressway daily. Employees commuting between Metro Manila and the industrial centers of Laguna and Batangas could see transportation expenses gradually increase over time.
The effect may be even more significant for logistics companies, bus operators, and businesses that depend on Southern Luzon transport corridors for the movement of goods and services. Even relatively small increases in toll fees can accumulate quickly across large fleets operating multiple trips each day.
SLEX and STAR Tollway remain among the country’s most important transport links, connecting manufacturing zones, export hubs, tourism destinations, and residential communities south of Metro Manila. Their role in supporting economic activity has grown steadily alongside the rapid expansion of Laguna and Batangas as industrial centers. According to TRB, the adjustment supports the continued maintenance, operation, and improvement of the expressway network as traffic volumes continue to rise.
Autocar’s Take
The latest SLEX and Star Tollway increase highlight a challenge that motorists have become so familiar with: balancing infrastructure improvements with rising transport costs. While the additional P14 for an end-to-end Class 1 trip may not drastically change travel habits, frequent users of the expressway will certainly notice the difference over weeks and months of commuting. Logistics firms, delivery operators, and public transport providers may feel the impact even more. Ultimately, motorists tend to accept higher tolls when they see corresponding improvements in travel time, road quality, and congestion management.
