Traffic volume at MPTC-operated expressways could go up to 15% on Holy Week

Traffic volume in all Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC)-managed expressways is anticipated to go up by as much as 15 percent this coming Holy Week.

The toll road operator shared the number as it announced the preparations in time for the expected surge of motorists in all the MPTC road networks in time for the forthcoming occasion.

To note, the connecting North Luzon Expressway (NLEX)-Subic-Clark-Tarlac-Expressway (SCTEX) stretch has a daily average of 350,000 motorists plying the road; Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) has 160,000; CAVITEX C5 Link, 16,000; and Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), 34,000.

With that, the MPTC said that it deployed over 1,500 traffic and toll lane management personnel within its jurisdiction: around 1,000 within NLEX-SCTEX; 500 in CAVITEX, CAVITEX C5 Link and CALAX; and 68 in Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX). The aforementioned volume was deployed as early as March 31.

The company said that its traffic management teams continue to monitor high-volume plazas namely the Balintawak, Mindanao, Bocaue, Tarlac, and Tipo in NLEX-SCTEX; Kawit and Parañaque in CAVITEX; and Biñan, Sta Rosa and Silang East in CALAX.

Beginning April 5-11, MPTC will place its operations on high-alert status and shall reactivate the "Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko (SMSK)" motorist assistance program, which is in its 14th year.

Per MPTC, CAVITEX’s SMSK program is being done in partnership with Philippine Reclamation Authority through its operator, PEATC. Meanwhile, the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) is activating its first motorists’ assistance program this Holy Week for users of the 8.9-kilometer CCLEX.

“We are reminding our motorists to plan their trips and avoid the rush hours. The influx of travelers is anticipated starting in the afternoon of Holy Wednesday until the afternoon of Maundy Thursday, as well as in the afternoon to evening of Black Saturday, Easter Sunday, and the Monday after Easter,” MPTC President Rodrigo Franco said.

“While the company continues its initiatives to boost expressway safety and convenience, it is also important for motorists to observe traffic discipline and practice safety,” he added.

Earlier, the company opened the NLEX Connector Caloocan-España Section to the public, which provides an additional route for those traveling between Metro Manila and provinces within the areas of North and Central Luzon.

Emergency medical services will also be fielded and prepositioned at strategic areas of the expressways. The 1-35000 hotline will be ready to address customer concerns, the firm noted.

Lane closures and mainline roadworks will be suspended during the SMSK period unless safety repairs are necessary. In case of traffic congestion from NLEX to SCTEX Tarlac and vice versa, motorists may enter/exit at NLEX Sta. Ines and SCTEX Concepcion.

Relatedly, CCLEC shall also halt road works on April 6 (Maundy Thursday) and April 7 (Good Friday).

Further, motorists are encouraged to check traffic advisories that are regularly posted on the company’s official Facebook and Twitter accounts (NLEX Corporation, CAVITEX, CALAX) or through the MPT DriveHub mobile application. Those who will travel the NLEX-SCTEX stretch may also tune in to DWRW 95.1 FM and UFM 105.5 for traffic bulletins.

In addition, MPTC is ready to accord free towing service to the nearest exit for Class 1 vehicles from 6 a.m. of April 5 up to 6 a.m. of April 11.

Moreover, CCLEX’s customer service centers (CSC) located on both sides near the toll plaza will remain open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. except on April 7 (Good Friday).

"We always encourage our motorists to avail of the free Easytrip RFID and ensure sufficient load balance in their Easytrip RFID for smoother travel. This makes toll transactions quicker, more efficient, helping reduce traffic congestion especially now that we are almost at the pre-pandemic level and more cars are seen traversing the roads," urged Franco.

“Easytrip RFIDs can now be used on all toll roads in Luzon,” reminded Franco. Motorists need only to enroll their Easytrip RFID to Autosweep to be able to use it on non-MPTC toll roads.

Motorists can also reload and check their balance conveniently via the MPT DriveHub app available on iOS and Android devices. The app allows tracking of passages, calculation of toll fees, and monitoring of traffic conditions of MPTC expressways.

Photos from Ruben Manahan IV, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, MPT South

Also read:

MPT South on 'heightened alert' for upcoming holidays

NLEX Corporation eyes to address expected holiday traffic with SMSK program

MPTC expects near pre-pandemic traffic volume on tollways during Holy Week