TRB open to discussion on higher expressway speed limit

If driving at 100 km/h on the expressway feels like a crawl for you, this latest snippet from the TRB (Toll Regulatory Board) sounds exciting.

In the latest edition of the ‘Laging Handa’ briefing (a TV program by the Presidential Communications Operations Office on state-owned PTV-4), the TRB reacted favorably towards House Bill 4089 filed by Ilocos 1st District Representative Ronald Singson.

“Kaya nga po kami’y buong pagsisikap na makapagbigay ng ating mga observations and comments during the deliberation of this bill at nang maisama po ang ating mga input diyan nang sa ganoon ay mabigyan natin ng—bagama’t mabilis subalit dapat ligtas na paglalakbay ang ating mga motorista (That’s why we’re really working to give our observations and comments during the deliberation of this bill so that they can consider our inputs to provide a faster but safe journey of motorists),” said TRB spokesperson Julius Corpuz.

To recall, House Bill 4089 was originally filed on August 25, 2022, and then refiled on May 18 of this year. It aims to amend the speed limit on all controlled-access highways – otherwise known as expressways – across the country. If it is approved, it will effectively change R.A. 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

So, what does House Bill 4089 say?

While it aims to raise the speed limit, the bill still states that it “at the same time minimizes the incidence of road accidents.” It is paramount to remember that stipulation. Regardless of whether or not the speed limit is increased, the state reminds all that the number of vehicular crashes must be kept low or avoided at all costs. Now to the part you're waiting for. Under the bill, the speed limit for buses will go up from 80 km/h to 120 km/h, while passenger vehicles and motorcycles can cruise up to 140 km/h.

If you are thinking that the speed limit increase will apply across all expressways and their entire stretch, step on the brakes first. Corpuz stated that the speed limit increase primarily depends on the recommendation by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) followed by prevailing road conditions.

“Kailangan nang gampanan ng ating mga toll operators ang pagkukumpuni nitong mga medyo mga potholes na ito at saka mga lubak-lubak na o hindi na nararapat na pavement na nandiyan kaya’t kailangang gawin ng ating mga toll operators right away (Toll operators need to fix these potholes and uneven roads that shouldn’t have been there in the first place, and they need to do it right away),” added Corpuz.

Do not expect this bill’s speedy approval anytime soon as there are plenty more pressing matters for the TRB and Congress. The fact that it is being talked about and under consideration gives us hope that we can give our motorized vehicles a good workout in the future.