TORONTO , Dec. 31 /CNW/ - 407 ETR today announced toll changes which will come into effect on February 1, 2010 .

Starting February 1, 2010 , the price charged in various segments of the highway will change. Peak-hour tolls for light vehicles between QEW and Highway 410, between Highway 427 and Highway 400 and between Markham Road and Brock Road will be 21.35 cents per kilometre. Peak-hour tolls for light vehicles travelling between Highway 410 and Highway 427 and between Highway 400 and Markham Road will be 20.10 cents per kilometre.

Jose Tamariz, President and Chief Executive Officer of 407 ETR, said that the company plans to invest over $70 million in 2010 to build 20 kilometres of new lanes and for other highway improvements to help reduce congestion. Since 1999, the company has invested $1.2 billion to build over 440 kilometres of new lanes and other highway improvements.

"Use of 407 ETR is strong and these changes will continue to keep traffic moving while maintaining affordable rates," said Tamariz. "407 ETR saves people time and offers them good value for their money."

For more details regarding toll rate changes for different vehicle types, times of day and sections of the highway, please see the attached chart or visit www.407etr.com.

407 ETR Concession Company Limited ("407 ETR") is the operator and manager of Highway 407, which extends 108 kilometres east-west, just north of Toronto . 407 International Inc., the sole shareholder of 407 ETR, is owned by a consortium comprised of Cintra Infraestructuras, Macquarie Infrastructure Group and SNC-Lavalin.

News releases are available at www.407etr.com.

    
                               2010 Toll Rates
                       (Prices in Cents Per Kilometre)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Off Peak, Night
                         Peak Rate        Peak Rate        and Weekend Hours
    Vehicle Class       Regular Zone      Light Zone       (Entire Highway)
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Light Vehicles
     (Cars, Minivans,
      SUVs)                 21.35           20.10                18.35
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Heavy Vehicles
     (Large Trucks)         42.70           40.20                36.70
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Heavy Multiple
     (Tractor trailers)     64.05           60.30                55.05
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    -   Peak Hours are weekdays between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and
        7 p.m.

    -   Off-Peak Hours are weekdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and
        6 a.m., as well as statutory holidays and weekends.

    -   The Regular Zone is between QEW and Highway 410, Highway 427 and
        Highway 400 and Markham Road and Brock Road.

    -   The Light Zone is between Highway 410 and Highway 427 and Highway 400
        and Markham Road

    -   Changes to the 2010 Toll and Fee Schedule include:

           -  The Enforcement Fee (for each account referred for Plate
              Denial) will be $20.00.

    -   A Trip Toll Charge will be charged for every trip on the highway
        based on vehicle size:

           -  Light Vehicles will be charged 40 cents per trip.
           -  Heavy Vehicles will be charged 50 cents per trip.
           -  Heavy Multiple Vehicles will be charged 75 cents per trip.
    

For a complete list of toll and fee schedule changes, please visit www.407etr.com.

For further information: Steve Spencer, Director, Communications, Tel: (905) 264-5232