Gatchalian wants 24-hour barrier-free tolling at NLEX gates in Valenzuela

Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian wants the North Luzon Expressway to implement 24 hours of barrier-free tolling at its gates starting in February.

In a forum, Gatchalian said the proposal was on his agenda when he met NLEX management on Wednesday.

The barrier-free tolling is currently effective in lanes using a radio frequency identification (RFID) of NLEX from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

“Nakadalawang buwan at mahigit o tatlong buwan, wala namang problema. We’re now demanding na buksan na nila even in the late evening,” Gatchalian said.

“We’ve given it a try. Wala namang na-aksidente, contrary to what they’re saying. Our agenda is to do 24 hours barriers up,” he added.

Gatchalian said he was looking to implement the measure in mid-February.

The Valenzuela local government unit earlier lifted its suspension of the toll operator’s business permit with some conditions including the implementation of barriers up operation.

Gatchalian had suspended NLEX Corporation’s business permit in the city over issues hounding its cashless payment system, which was at that time had glitches  and resulted in heavy traffic in the city. -NB, GMA News