SLEX, STAR TOLL RATES SET TO INCREASE STARTING JAN. 1, 2026
Toll rates along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR Tollway) are scheduled to increase starting January 1, 2026, according to initial data from tollway operators and regulators. These expressways connect Metro Manila to key provinces in Southern Luzon, so any change in rates tends to affect a wide range of motorists, from daily commuters to cargo haulers. Early information indicates that the adjustment follows the usual process of toll petitions, review, and approval by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB). Authorities are emphasizing that the new rates will take effect only after the required legal and administrative steps are completed. Further detailed breakdowns of the new fees by vehicle class and distance are expected closer to the implementation date, based on preliminary reports.
The upcoming increase is being framed by officials as part of the regular toll rate adjustment mechanism, which is often linked to inflation, operating costs, and the recovery of investments in road construction and maintenance. These adjustments are typically allowed under concession agreements between the government and private operators, subject to regulatory oversight. According to initial statements, regulators aim to balance the need for infrastructure funding with the impact on road users. For many motorists, SLEX and STAR are central routes for work, trade, and travel, so even modest changes in tolls can influence transport expenses and trip planning. Public and stakeholder feedback is usually gathered during the review stage, and this process is expected to continue as the 2026 implementation date approaches.
What is currently known is mostly procedural rather than highly detailed, as specific peso figures and segment-by-segment rates have not yet been fully publicized in official issuances. Based on preliminary reports, the TRB and the toll concessionaires are still finalizing schedules, signage updates, and information materials for motorists. Authorities are also expected to verify that the new rates comply with existing laws, concession contracts, and any previous toll rate orders. Motorists are being advised to monitor official announcements from the TRB, the Department of Transportation, and the expressway operators for confirmed rate tables and implementation guidelines. Until those formal notices are released, only the effective date and the general direction of an increase
