Motorists can heave a sigh of relief for now as there would be no increase in toll rates at the expressways at least before yearend.

Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) spokesperson Julius Corpuz said there are no scheduled regular adjustments of toll fees which are usually implemented at the start of the year.

“TRB has not received nor approved any application for toll fee adjustments,” Corpuz said in an interview.

However, the Alabang-Calamba, Laguna stretch of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), which is undergoing rehabilitation, is poised to increase its rates reportedly by as much as 100 percent once the project is completed.

Alma Tuazon, spokesperson of the South Luzon Expressway Tollway Corp. (SLTC) which will take over the operation of the SLEX from the Philippine National Construction Corp. (PNCC), said the rehabilitation project is about to be completed and they are now just transferring the equipment for the toll plazas.

The Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corp.-operated Skyway’s elevated section, which is being extended up to Alabang, is also expected to increase rates when it is completed in May 2011.