Juan Hubieres, president of FenatranoExternal source
Santo Domingo — The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) and the RD Vial Trust announced an increase in some tolls. The president of the National Federation of Transport the New Option (Fenatrano), Juan Hubieres, said that the new prices are “abusive,” assuring that this will increase public fares and cargo transport.
He stated that the measures that will come into effect next Wednesday, January 15, this year, will negatively impact the economy, especially the middle class.
“The government applies its abusive measures, after the rejection of all national sectors to the tax reform project,” he said.
The trade unionist said that collecting tolls in the Dominican Republic is the most expensive in the world.
The president of the Rebel Movement (MR) also warned that tariff increases will impact the costs of goods and services in different areas of national production.
He also pointed out that the new toll prices will decrease domestic tourism to Samaná, Monte Plata, Hato Mayor, and the eastern zone, as well as in other tourist poles in developments in the country.
“The new toll prices will cause cargo trucks and passenger buses to raise the prices of goods and public tickets,” he said.
He pointed out that the middle class uses the most private vehicles to move around the national territory. “99% of internal mobility in cars or jeeps are from the middle class.”
The political leader called on the government to be “sensible, in the face of a people who have seen their purchasing power reduced, despite a supposed economic growth that does not reach the population.”
As of January 15, of the 16 tolls in the country, six will cost RD$100 for light vehicles. Although the date was not announced, a press release reported that the rates for light vehicles, buses, and trucks will also be adjusted proportionally, “ensuring a fairer and more balanced system for all users.”
Where are those tolls?
The first is the Las Américas toll, located at km 22 of the Las Américas Highway. It was inaugurated in August 1999.
This is followed by the toll on the Duarte Highway, located at km 25 of the Duarte Highway. The Duarte Highway toll was also inaugurated in August 1999.
According to RD Vial, the 6 de Noviembre toll was also inaugurated. It is located at km 5 of the 6 de Noviembre Highway.