MOTORISTS who use the east-west corridor of Highway 2000, who are not yet in possession of a T-tag, could miss out on a 50 per cent discount for the first three months after the latest increase in toll rates take effect.

Minister with responsibility for transport Daryl Vaz on Tuesday announced that motorists using a T-tag will benefit from the promotional discount which will run from July 6 to September 30.

He said this promotion, which kicks off the same day proposed new toll rates are slated to take effect, is part of the Government’s thrust to encourage cashless operations and to ease the burden of higher toll rates.

According to Vaz, this is significant and was something that was negotiated based on instructions he received from the Cabinet to see what could be done to ease some of the pain from the increases.

Vaz pointed out that motorists with T-tags will continue to benefit from a 10 per cent discount for frequent users after the 10th passage in one toll week.

On Tuesday the Toll Authority published proposed new rates for the Portmore, Spanish Town, Vineyards, and May Pen toll plazas as part of an annual review process mandated by the concession agreement between the Government of Jamaica and the toll operators TransJamaican Highway.

In addressing Wednesday’s post-Cabinet media briefing Vaz said the Government negotiated with TransJamaican Highway to secure increases lower than they could have been.

“For the upcoming period the rates have, in fact, been set below the maximum allowable increase… [This] means that…they had a gap that they could’ve gone higher but, based on negotiations, …[a lower figure] was agreed on… And this, of course, is demonstrating a responsible approach by the toll operators, TransJamaican Highway,” Vaz said.

He argued that the adjustments in the toll rates are necessary to ensure the sustainability of the infrastructure investment by private partners who undertake significant financial commitments on behalf of the Jamaican Government.

“The tariff adjustments are carefully calculated within the parameters set forth in the concession agreement which was signed in 2001,” said Vaz as he pointed out that the Portmore leg of the highway — which is the highest traversed segment, accounting for more than 40 per cent of the usage — saw the least increase.

“The Class 1 [for the Portmore toll plaza] is from $340 to $360, representing a 5.88 per cent increase; Class 2 from $610 to $660 which is an 8.20 per cent increase; and Class 3 from $1,020 to $1,090 a 6.86 per cent increase,” said Vaz.

He noted that the May Pen Toll Plaza will attract a new fee of $240 for Class 1 motorists, up from $220, with T-tag users expected to pay $220. Class 2 motorists will pay $390, up from $350, while motorists with T-tags will pay $370. The Class 3 rate will increase to $700 from $630.

The Toll Authority has indicated that members of the public have five days from the date of the publication of the notice of increase to submit concerns about the proposed changes, and Vaz has encouraged stakeholders to participate through the available channels, including telephone numbers (876) 929-5119, and (888) 991-4692, or e-mail
tollauthority@mtw.gov.jm.

Vaz said plans for additional ramps to be installed at critical intersections of the highway are underway and this will be funded by TransJamaican Highway as part of efforts to alleviate congestion and enhance connectivity.

“The revenue from the toll collection is being re-invested to the benefit of the road users. Over $700 million is being spent by TransJamaican Highway to improve the ramps. Firstly, at Freetown, which is currently underway and expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2025 at a cost of $320 million; and Hartland.

“NROCC [National Road Operating and Constructing Company Limited] 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,” added Vaz.