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Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. will deploy about 2,000 personnel across its expressway network during the Undas holiday period this weekend with traffic expected to increase by up to 12% on peak days
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Outbound traffic on NLEX and SCTEX is expected to peak from Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon, while return traffic is expected from late afternoon on November 2 through early November 3
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CAVITEX and CALAX are expected to experience heavy traffic on the afternoon of October 30 and the morning of November 3
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MPTC advises motorists to plan routes, check RFID balances, observe speed limits and monitor official traffic advisories
Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) will deploy about 2,000 personnel across its expressway network during the Undas holiday period, as traffic volume is projected to rise by up to 12% on peak travel days.
The company announced that it will implement its “Biyaheng Arangkada” program from October 29 to November 3, covering the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), NLEX Connector, Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).
The program aims to support traffic management, road safety, and motorists’ travel needs during the holiday rush for All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2).
MPTC projects overall traffic volume across its expressways to increase by around 5%, with an average increase of 12% expected on October 30 and 31.
On NLEX and SCTEX, outbound traffic is expected to peak from Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon. Return traffic is projected to build from late afternoon on November 2 through the early morning of November 3.
CAVITEX and CALAX, meanwhile, are expected to experience heavy traffic on the afternoon of October 30 and the morning of November 3.
MPTC personnel will be tasked to manage traffic operations, toll services, security, incident response, technology and support teams on a round-the-clock basis.
Traffic operations teams will coordinate with the Philippine National Police, local government units and other government agencies throughout the period.
The program is being implemented on SCTEX in partnership with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and on CAVITEX in partnership with the Philippine Reclamation Authority through PEA Tollway Corp.
Motorist assistance, roadwork suspension
Under Biyaheng Arangkada, motorists can access 24/7 customer assistance through the hotline 1-35000 and the MPT DriveHub app. Medical teams will also be stationed at designated locations along the expressways.
Free towing to the nearest exit will be available for Class 1 vehicles, including Class 1M vehicles on CCLEX, from 6 a.m. on October 30 to 6 a.m. on November 3.
Free basic mechanical services will be available around the clock at selected NLEX and SCTEX rest and refueling stations and toll plazas along CAVITEX and CALAX.
Other services include electric vehicle charging stations at selected NLEX rest and refueling stops, free Wi-Fi at selected NLEX facilities in partnership with Smart, and free bottled water at roadside assistance stations provided by Maynilad.
MPTC will suspend roadworks, lane closures and maintenance activities from October 29 to November 3, except for emergency safety repairs. Traffic teams and marshals will monitor road conditions and implement measures as needed.
Motorists urged to plan routes
MPTC is advising motorists to plan their journeys ahead of time and use alternative routes where appropriate.
NLEX Connector provides another route between western Metro Manila and destinations in Northern and Central Luzon. Motorists from eastern Metro Manila can also access the NLEX mainline through Mindanao Avenue.
In southern Metro Manila and Cavite, CAVITEX C5 Link connects C5 Road in Taguig to CAVITEX, providing access to Parañaque, Las Piñas, Bacoor and Kawit.
CALAX connects Cavite and Laguna, with its operational stretch running from Mamplasan in Biñan, Laguna, to Governor’s Drive in General Trias, Cavite.
Motorists are also advised to ensure their radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags are properly installed and sufficiently funded. They can reload through the MPT DriveHub app using e-wallets and other online payment platforms or at customer service centers along the expressways.
Upcoming routes
Meanwhile, MPTC continues to expand its expressway network to improve connectivity and provide additional routes for motorists.
The planned opening of NLEX-C5 Northlink Segment 8.2 Section 1A, connecting the NLEX Mindanao Toll Plaza to Quirino Highway, will provide another access route to NLEX. From there, motorists can connect to Manila through NLEX Connector or travel to Central and Northern Luzon via NLEX and SCTEX.
In southern Luzon, the full alignment of CALAX is nearing completion, while the planned opening of the CAVITEX-CALAX Link is expected to directly connect the two expressways.
The projects are expected to improve regional mobility and give motorists more travel options as the expressway network expands.
