Owners of private and public utility vehicles plying the rehabilitated South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) may be shelling out extra for the higher toll rates starting August 16 but in the long run, they will be enjoying lower maintenance cost than those who used to travel along the old toll road.

A recent study of the South Luzon Tollway Corporation (SLTC), operator of the SLEx, revealed that the new eight-lane SLEx from Alabang Viaduct to Calamba Exit costs vehicle owners only P5.80 per kilometer for maintenance cost compared to the P9.09 vehicle maintenance for the old bumpy SLEx.

“That’s 64 percent lower or a savings of P3.29 per kilometer for private motorists and public utility vehicle operators who travel along the old SLEx,” said Alma Tuazon, spokesperson of SLTC.

Taking into account the impending new toll rates of P2.73 per kilometer along SLEx, Tuazon said motorists can still save P0.56, which is already “half the cost of a text message or one menthol candy.”

Although using the SLEx will earn motorists savings in vehicle operating cost, the looming imposition of 12 percent expanded value-added tax on toll rates is another issue. It was recalled that the Bureau of Internal Revenue announced that EVAT on toll will be imposed also on August 16. Both the 233 percent increase in toll rates for SLEx and the imposition of EVAT on toll was greatly criticized by various transport groups.