San Miguel Corporation (SMC) said Skyway 3 will only be open to light vehicles starting Monday, July 12, as it will be a no-truck zone when it starts charging toll.

In a statement on Wednesday, July 7, SMC said the 18-kilometer elevated tollway will be “dedicated” to cars, jeepneys, vans, and the like, which are classified as Class 1 vehicles.

SMC also said it will only accept Class 1 vehicles with Autosweep RFID stickers.

Those who do not have RFID stickers can have these installed at designated locations before Skyway 3 entry points and other locations in the Skyway system and the NAIA Expressway.

SMC president Ramon Ang said the move will address safety concerns on the elevated tollway and at the same time prevent the spread of COVID-19 through contactless transactions.

“Limiting Skyway 3 to regular or Class 1 vehicles will also further ensure safety for all users. With more private vehicles diverted to Skyway 3, our public roads will be freed up and decongested,” Ang said.

“This will benefit, number one, our public transportation and commuters. It will also be beneficial to transporters of goods, who can opt to use the at-grade sections of the Skyway system where tolls are lower, as well as public roads which are free, as they are subsidized by government,” Ang added.

SMC has already secured a toll operating permit and a notice to start collecting toll from the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).

The TRB approved provisional toll for Skyway 3, with fees ranging from P105 to P264 for Class 1 vehicles, which are slightly lower than the initially proposed toll of up to P274. The agency also approved fees for Class 2 vehicles or buses and light trucks. – Rappler.com