MPTC rolls out measures in anticipation of high traffic volume for upcoming All Saints' Day observance

After the national government placed major areas in the Luzon area under a relatively relaxed Level 3 Alert status, the the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) is expecting a surge in vehicle traffic volume on all its expressways this coming All Saints' Day commemoration.

In a statement, the tollway operator is expecting to increase by around 10 percent in volume in the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX-SCTEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) in anticipation of the long weekend. Toll plazas Balintawak, Mindanao, Karuhatan, Bocaue, San Simon, San Fernando, Tarlac and Tipo are expected to be possible choke points along the expressway stretch.

Meanwhile, with the implementation of the Alert Level 3 in NCR, Cavite, and Laguna per the recent IATF-EID resolution, average daily traffic in Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), C5 Link and in Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) is expected to increase up to 15 percent.

Following that, MPTC will again be implementing the “Safe Trip Mo Sagot Ko” (SMSK) initiative from October 29 to November 2.

Now on its 12^th year, the MPTC-led motorist assistance program is aimed to enhance all services along its expressway network for a safer and more comfortable journey.

According to MPTC, its operations teams have been on heightened alert since October 22 and have jacked up customer services and safety protocols to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

“We remain committed to provide our motorists with ease of travel, ensure their safety, and assist them immediately this season as we also continue to observe COVID-19 protocols for the protection of our customers and employees,” said MPTC President and Chief Executive Officer Rodrigo Franco.

The company will also be deploying the area with 1,200 patrol crews, traffic marshals, security teams, and lane personnel to provide immediate assistance to motorists. Apart from that, emergency medical services and incident response teams are to be fielded as well at key areas on the expressways.

To attend to customer needs, ambulant tellers will be fielded to assist motorists in cash lanes and toll personnel will be deployed to RFID lanes. All Customer Service Centers in the said expressways will be operational around-the-clock.

Up to November 2, construction and lane closures on the MPTC expressway network will be suspended, unless safety repairs are necessary.

For light vehicles, free 24-hour towing service to the nearest exit will be available from October 29, 6 a.m. to November 2, 6 a.m.

The company also provides updated traffic situations via its social media accounts, while the 1-35000 hotline will also be ready to address customer concerns.

Further, the tollway company reminds motorists to take advantage of the RFID system as a convenient way of paying toll. Those who already have RFID stickers installed need to ensure that they have enough balance on their account to cover their trips.

Photos from Ruben D. Manahan IV, NLEX Corporation

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