KUALA LUMPUR: Motorists plying the Sungai Besi Highway (Besraya) and Kajang-Seremban Highway (Lekas) will pay lesser toll charges starting 12.01am.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said Class 1 vehicles passing through Besraya's Loke Yew and Mines toll plazas (north and south directions) will pay RM1.85 tomorrow from the current RM2 charge.
As for Lekas Class 1 vehicle users who have been paying RM8.30 one way, the rate will now be RM7.80 after the charges have been reduced from 0.1811 sen per kilometer to 0.1666 sen per kilometer under the closed toll system.
However, the existing fixed rate for the open toll system at Ampangan toll plaza stays, he said.
The closed toll system is a charge based on the distance travelled and class of vehicle used. An open toll system entails a fixed charge and the motorist is free to exit the expressway at any interchange until the next collection point.
Nanta said the reduction of the toll charges at the two highways was agreed upon by the concessionaire following a decision made at the Dec 21 cabinet meeting.
Both highways are managed by concessionaire IJM Corporation Bhd.
"The reduction is part of an agreement to restructure and (review) toll rates decided by the government and it will be effective throughout the concession period.
"The government is able to save compensation estimated at RM1.978 billion throughout the concession period for both highways.
"The savings will enable the government to channel resources to meet the needs of the people as we are concerned with the rising cost of living," he said.