Toll Charges to be increased!

The ease of driving on roads which don’t require the driver to test their ability to dodge pot holes is a beautiful experience.

Therefore, it is always a pleasure to drive on the toll roads. Although it costs more than taking the regular route I like driving on it as I usually arrive at my destination quickly.

Over the years though, I have noticed that the cost of using the road has been steadily increasing. This means an added burden for consumers as they have had to dig deeper in their pockets to pay for the privilege of a smooth drive.

Toll rate increases

The toll rate increase, which will take effect on July 5, will range from $10-$100.

For the May Pen leg, Class One vehicles will increase from $70 to $80. Class Two will increase from $110 to $130, while Class Three will move up from $200 to $250.

For the Portmore section of the toll, Class One vehicles will pay $170 instead of $150, Class Two pays $260 instead of $230, and Class Three from $450 to $520.

Spanish Town Class One vehicles will be charged $120, moving from $110; Class Two $180, moving from $160; and Class Three $330, moving from $300.

Class One vehicles travelling through the Vineyards toll will be charged $330, moving from $310; Class Two $470, moving from $430; and Class Three $890, moving from $790.

We live in financially challenging times so it makes me cringe when I think of the choice consumers will have to make. They will have to decide between a longer journey or saving money.

The increase would mean that those who choose to avoid paying the toll would drive on the Nelson Mandela highway which could increase the congestion on that road.

Since public transportation vehicles also use the toll road, the increase could have further implications as drivers might not want to pay the additional cost and so might pass on these costs to their passengers.

There have been calls from The Jamaica Association of Transport Owners and Operators (JATOO) for the government to reduce the toll rate or grant them a fare increase to offset their costs.

On another but related note I noticed that there have been a number of accidents on the toll road in recent times so let’s be careful out there people and be safe!

What is your take? Drop a line below!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley

Gleaner Online Writer

Tags: increase, toll road