‘Toll holidays’ to be implemented along SMC-run expressways

The infrastructure arm of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) announced that no toll fees shall be collected on its expressways for the upcoming holidays.  

SMC President Ramon Ang announced that the company’s toll operating arm will not be collecting fees at the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), the Skyway System, NAIA Expressway, and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) starting 10 p.m. of December 24 up to 6 a.m. of December 25, and 10 p.m. of December 31 until 6 a.m. of January 1 next year.

As the traffic exodus is expected to be experienced this week, the leadership of SMC said that it “has deployed to provide roadside assistance to motorists and help manage the flow of vehicles at exit points” — in coordination with the local police and traffic bureaus of local government units. 

Ang also advised motorists to plan their trips to avoid delays and reach respective destinations safely.

“Traffic buildup and congestion at our expressways, ports, and airports is something we all expect at this time of the year, especially as restrictions have fully eased. We appeal to our motorists for their patience and understanding as we anticipate heavy traffic,” Ang said. 

 “What would be a big help is if we all plan our trips well ahead, and leave earlier to allot more time for travel, especially if you are catching a flight or scheduled bus trips. For motorists, we also suggest to please make sure your vehicles are in good condition, and that your electronic toll collection accounts are topped up, to prevent any delays to you and others,” he added. 

According to SMC Infra, the additional personnel that will be deployed are ambulant tellers tasked to scan Autosweep cards along queues.

 Moreover, Ang said that the recently-launched “Seamless Southern Tollways” initiative is also part of its preparations for the holiday rush.  

 The program reduces toll stops for motorists headed south via the Skyway System, SLEX, and STAR from five to just two (entry and exit points), turning the Calamba, SLEX Greenfield, and Sto. Tomas, Batangas toll plazas into pass-through lanes. 

“We implemented the Seamless Southern Tollways initiative so motorists will no longer need to make as many stops and can fully enjoy seamless travel along Skyway, SLEX, and STAR. We started implementation last December 1, so that motorists can start feeling its benefits during the busy Christmas season. SMC Infrastructure had been working to complete the program since early this year, and we’re glad to report that so far, feedback on the initiative has been very positive,” he explained. 

“We’ve been seeing good results the first two weeks. Smoother traffic flow has been observed, and we’re hoping this will translate to a better driving and travel experience overall for many motorists this holiday season,” Ang noted.

Those who want to avail the free ETC sticker tags may have theirs at Autosweep customer service centers and RFID installation kiosks at gasoline stations along SLEX.

Photos from San Miguel Corporation

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