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Expressway operators are implementing measures to ensure safe travel for motorists with the expected traffic surge in this year’s observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day
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SMC Infrastructure said its operations teams have prepared for the expected surge in traffic volume at its expressways starting October 31
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Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. reactivated its Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko motorists assistance program to ensure safe and convenient travel during the period
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SMC and MPTC imposed a moratorium on roadworks from October 31 to November 5, and from October 30 to November 4, respectively
Expressway operators are implementing measures to ensure safe travel of motorists with the expected traffic surge on All Saints’ Day weekend.
SMC Infrastructure said it is closely coordinating with the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), local government units, and other relevant agencies to optimize traffic flow. The company operates the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) Tollway, Skyway System, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIAX), and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).
SMC Infrastructure said its operations teams have prepared for the expected surge in traffic volume at its expressways starting October 31.
Emergency services such as fire trucks, ambulances, and tow trucks are already on standby to provide immediate assistance to distressed motorists.
“We appeal to our motorists to make sure their vehicles are in good condition prior to traveling, so they can avoid any mishaps or cause delay for others,” SMC Infrastructure said.
The company will also impose a moratorium on roadworks, including maintenance and other related activities that may impede the flow of vehicular traffic, from October 31 to November 5.
Additional personnel will also be deployed to help manage traffic bottlenecks, including at entry and exit toll plazas that connect local roads to expressways.
To further minimize possible causes of delays at the tollways, SMC Infrastructure is reminding motorists to make sure their Autosweep accounts have sufficient load. Their cards must be ready in their vehicles should these be needed.
To pass through toll plazas more quickly, SMC Infrastructure advises motorists to avoid tailgating so that RFID readers can scan the Autosweep tags properly. Also, RFID stickers should be clean and not defective. If needed, these may be replaced for free at various toll plazas.
On road safety, motorists are reminded to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and that they observe all traffic rules at all times, especially speed limits and the wearing of seatbelts.
Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), meanwhile, reactivated its Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko (SMSK) motorists assistance program to ensure safe and convenient travel during the period.
With an expected combined surge in traffic volume across its expressways — North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic, Clark, Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), NLEX Connector, Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) — MPTC said it has increased personnel deployment, 24/7 traffic condition monitoring and incident response, and enhanced traffic management measures to guide motorists.
To ensure smooth travel experience of motorists — emergency and medical incident response teams will also be deployed strategically within the expressways. MPTC will also offer free towing service for Class 1 vehicles up to the nearest exit from 6 AM of October 31 to 6 AM of November 4.
Roadworks and lane closures in MPTC expressways will be suspended from October 30 to November 4 — except for emergency safety repairs.
MPTC also encourages motorists to plan their trips and may use the MPT DriveHub app which provides traffic updates, toll fee calculator, reloading facility for RFID accounts, and emergency roadside assistance.
Since high traffic volume is anticipated in its major expressways like NLEX, the public is advised of heavy northbound traffic on October 31 from 6 AM to 10 PM and November 1 from 5 AM to 2 PM. For Manila-bound travelers, MPTC said motorists should expect high traffic volume on November 2, 3 PM to 10 PM, and November 3, 2 PM to November 4, 8 AM.
Water utility company Maynilad, which is also under the Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) like MPTC, will distribute bottles of drinking water to travelers at the SMSK motorist camps.
Meanwhile, mWell — Philippines’ first fully integrated health and wellness mega app that is also under MPIC — will set up booths in rest and refuel areas along the expressways, offering health consultations to motorists in need of medical advice or assistance during their travel.
Telecommunications company Smart will also provide free internet access and charging stations in selected areas for motorists to stay connected and keep their devices powered up while on the road.
MPTC also encourages the motoring public to have their old RFID stickers replaced at the nearest Easytrip station or Customer Service Centers to avoid inconvenience while on the road.
