Transport Minister outlines reasons for Highway 2000 toll rate adjustments

Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport Minister, Daryl Vaz, says the proposed new toll rates for the East-West segment of Highway 2000, which are slated to take effect on July 6, are necessary to ensure sustainability of the road infrastructure.

Speaking during Wednesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Minister Vaz said the toll road is a vital component of Jamaica’s infrastructure landscape and a cornerstone project under a public-private partnership (PPP) between the Government of Jamaica and private investors.

This concession agreement was signed in 2001.

“The adjustment in toll rates… are part of an annual review process mandated by the concession agreement between the Government of Jamaica and Trans Jamaica Highway. These reviews are based on several economic factors, primarily influenced by US (United States) consumer price index and exchange rate fluctuations,” he said.

Vaz indicated that the proposed new toll rates are below the maximum allowable increases possible under the concession agreement.

“These adjustments are necessary to ensure the sustainability of the infrastructure investment by our private partners. The tariff adjustments are carefully calculated within the parameters set forth within the concession agreement,” he noted.

The Portmore corridor, which is the highest traversed leg of the highway, saw the least increase.

The proposed new rates at the Portmore, Spanish Town, Vineyards, and May Pen toll plazas are as follows:

Class One motorists using the Portmore toll plaza in St. Catherine will pay $360 up from $340, representing a 5.88 per cent increase; Class Two moves from $610 to $660, an increase of 8.20 per cent.

The Class Three rate moves to $1,090 up from $1,020, representing a 6.86 per cent increase.

Motorists using the T-tag will be able to benefit from discounted rates.

These include a 10 per cent discount for frequent users after the 10th passage for the week through the toll plaza.

Additionally, there is a promotional 50 per cent discount on T-tag purchases from July 6 until September 30, as the Government seeks to encourage cashless operations.

The remaining new proposed rates, as outlined by the Ministry, are:

The Spanish Town Toll Plaza Class One category is now $270, up from $255, while the T-tag discount will be $260. In the Class Two category, motorists will pay $470, up from $430, with the new T-tag rate being $440.

For Class Three vehicles, the rate moves to $800, up from $750.

At the Vineyards Toll Plaza, the new Class One rate will be $730 up from $670, with T-tag users paying $650.

The new Class Two rate will be $1,100, up from $990, while vehicles with T-tags will pay $1,050.

Class Three is now $2,200, up from $2,000.

Class One motorists utilising the May Pen toll plaza will pay a new fee of $240, up from $220, with T-tag users expected to pay $220.

Class Two motorists will pay $390, up from $350, while motorists with T-tags will pay $370.

The Class Three rate will increase to $700 from $630.

The toll regulator is also proposing a further discount for Class One and Two tag users who use the toll plazas after their 10th passage.

“In the spirit of transparency and public engagement, the proposed tariff adjustments were published in the newspapers inviting feedback from citizens until July 29, 2024. I encourage stakeholders to participate through the available channels,” he said.

Members of the public are invited to phone (876) 929-5119 or 1 (888) 999-14692 or email the Toll Authority of Jamaica at ntw@gov.jm, to submit their feedback.

- JIS News

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