Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) is reassessing plans to build an elevated expressway along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), citing the expected impact of major rail projects that could significantly reduce road traffic in the next decade.
The proposed elevated road, known as NLEX Air, remains under study due to its high estimated cost of up to PHP70 billion for the Balintawak–Tambubong section. The company is evaluating whether future toll revenues would justify the investment, especially as new rail systems are expected to shift commuters away from private vehicles.
Santa Maria noted that the completion of the North–South Commuter Railway, Metro Manila Subway Project and MRT Line 7 by the early 2030s could collectively serve around 500,000 passengers daily, potentially reducing car usage by at least 100,000 vehicles. With NLEX currently handling over 350,000 vehicles per day, MPTC said rail-led modal shift will play a key role in determining the scale and timing of any tollway expansion, as the company also works to manage its debt and optimise long-term network planning.