Toll hike on Highway 2000 East-West necessary, says Vaz

By Kimone Witter 

   

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz says the proposed new toll rates on Highway 2000 East-West that are to take effect on July 6, are below the maximum allowable increases possible under the concession agreement.

 

This is in response to the public interest generated since the adjusted rates were published on Tuesday for the Portmore, Spanish Town, Vineyards, and May Pen Toll Plazas.

 

Members of the public have up to June 29 to submit concerns to TransJamaican Highway.

 

Speaking Wednesday at the post Cabinet media briefing, Mr. Vaz sought to remind the public that the rate adjustments are necessary to ensure the sustainability of the infrastructure investment.

 

He said the Portmore leg of the highway, which is the most traversed, saw the least increase. 

 

"The Class 1 is from $340 to $360, representing a 5.88 per cent increase; Class 2 from $610 to $660; and Class 3 from $1,020 to $1,090, a 6.86 per cent increase," he outlined. 

 

He said the motoring public will be able to accrue benefits in the way of discounts. 

 

"Users of the T-Tag will continue to benefit from the discount in rates, including a 10 per cent discount for frequent users after the 10th passage in one toll week and a promotional 50 per cent discount on T-Tag purchases from July 6, 2024 until September 30, 2024," he noted.   

 

Those who use the Spanish Town Toll Plaza in the Class 1 category will be required to pay $270, up from $255. In the Class 2 category, motorists will have to pay $470, up from $430. For Class 3 vehicles, the rate will be $800, up from $750.

 

At the Vineyards Toll Plaza, the new Class 1 rate will be $730, an increase of $60. The new Class 2 rate will be $1,100, up from $990. Class 3 will jump from $2,000 to $2,200.

 

The May Pen Toll Plaza will attract a new fee of $240 for Class 1 motorists, up from $220. Class 2 motorists will pay $390, up from $350. The Class 3 rate will increase to $700, from $630. 

 

The Minister said work has started on new off-ramps linking communities to Highway 2000 East-West.

 

"Over $700 million is being spent by TransJamaican Highway to improve the ramps. Firstly, at Free Town, which is currently underway and expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2025 at a cost of $320 million, and Hartland, NROCC is in receipt of the request for approval from TransJamaican Highway for the construction of an entrance and exit ramp. This work will begin by the end of this calendar year at a cost of $400 million," he disclosed. 

 

According to Mr. Vaz, the vast housing and commercial developments in the vicinity of the highway has resulted in increased usage of it, resulting in peak-hour congestion.