Autopista Central to reduce TAG tolls in exchange for 20-month extension

Autopista Central TAG tolls toll reduction concession extension Chile transport policy

President José Antonio Kast has announced an agreement with Autopista Central to reduce TAG toll rates in the Santiago Metropolitan Region. Starting January 1, 2027, the measure will implement a 10% discount during off-peak hours and a 25% discount during peak and saturation periods. To qualify for these rates, users must pay their accounts within the first 60 days of issuance.

In exchange for these reductions, the concession period for Autopista Central will be extended by 20 months, moving the expiration date from August 2034 to April 2036. The agreement covers approximately 62 kilometers of highway, including the Ruta 5 and General Velásquez axes.

The announcement has drawn significant criticism from various sectors. Regional lawmakers, such as Deputy Héctor Barría, argued that the benefits are concentrated in Santiago and neglect regional motorists. Political figures like Franco Parisi and various NGOs have characterized the deal as a “tremendous business” for the concessionaire, noting that the extension of the contract may offset the financial benefits provided to drivers. Critics suggest the government should have sought unilateral rate modifications rather than extending the exploitation period.

Entities

Abertis · Autopista Central · Chaco-Corrientes Bridge · Chile · Héctor Barría · José Antonio Kast · Louis de Grange · Ministry of Public Works · Santiago · Secretaría de Transporte · TelePASE · Telepeaje Plus

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] TelePASE is an electronic and automatic toll collection system in Argentina.
[○ 1 SOURCE] A discount for round trips completed within 24 hours will be maintained at the Chaco-Corrientes bridge.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The TelePASE service was expanded to several new concessions starting October 7, 2026.
[● 2 SOURCES] Cash payments will no longer be accepted once toll collection resumes.
[● 2 SOURCES] The suspension is due to the technical integration process between the TelePASE platform and the new Telepeaje Plus device.
[● 2 SOURCES] Toll collection at the Chaco-Corrientes bridge was temporarily suspended and barriers were raised due to technical integration issues.
[● 2 SOURCES] The toll rate for cars using TelePASE or Telepeaje Plus is $1,850.10, while manual electronic payment is $3,700.20.
[● 2 SOURCES] Users of automatic toll systems receive a 50% discount compared to non-automated electronic payments.