Undas 2017: SMC-Operated Expressways Ready for Exodus

Skyway O&M Corporation (SOMCO), the operator of the Skyway system and the NAIA Expressway (NAIAX), is ready to roll out its 'Oplan Ligtas Biyahe: Undas 2017' to ensure safety and convenience of motorists heading to cemeteries in southern Metro Manila and their home provinces in the south during the Undas break.

SOMCO expects traffic volume on the Skyway system and NAIAX to increase significantly from October 28 till November 2 during which the group said it will intensify traffic, safety and security operations.

At the same time, Manila Toll Expressway System, Inc. (MATES) and Star Tollway Corporation (STC), operators of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and Star Tollway, respectively, also expect traffic to build up at the northbound and southbound directions of their toll roads on October 28 and 29, and in the afternoon of November 1.  

SOMCO said the program would be activated together with the Metro Manila Development Authority, the Philippine National Police-NCRPO, local police units in the vicinities of the Skyway System, the Highway Patrol Group, and concerned local government units.
 
On October 28, 29 and 31, additional traffic personnel will be deployed at the southbound direction of the Skyway System and NAIAX, especially at choke points such as Dona Soledad Avenue and Dr. A. Santos Avenue, all the way to Loyola and Manila memorial parks, where heavy traffic is expected. 
 
SOMCO is also ready for the return of motorists and commuters to Manila on November 1 and 2 as additional traffic personnel will be present at the northbound direction of the Skyway System, from the Alabang Viaduct to the Skyway Main Toll Plaza B, to the Runway area, to Magallanes, Don Bosco, Amorsolo and the Buendia off-ramps.   
 
In addition, it will also install Ligtas Biyahe motorist assistance stations at the C5 Bridge/Merville area and C5 off-site southbound on October 28 and 29. Similar assistance stations will also be placed after on October 28 and 29, and at the Sucat southbound exit on October 31 and November 1.
 
Meanwhile, at SLEX, toll plazas with expected heavy traffic include: the Filinvest NB Exit/SB entries, Susana Heights NB, Carmona NB/SB; the SB exit plazas of Mamplasan, Sta. Rosa, Eton and Cabuyao, and the NB/SB exits of Calamba and Greenfields. At the Star Tollway, motorists may experience queueing at the toll plazas of Sto. Tomas, Tanauan, Malvar, Balete, Lipa, Ibaan and Batangas City.
           
The south tollway operators are advising motorists to plan their trips and keep their vehicles in excellent running condition to avoid stalling, overheating, and other problems that may impact on their safety and that of other motorists.
 
Drivers are reminded to stay alert and obey traffic and safety rules, particularly speed limits of 100 kph for light vehicles, 80 kph for trucks and buses, and the minimum speed of 60 kph,
 
To reduce queueing, motorists are advised to prepare exact toll fees.  Motorists can also call the RFID Hotline at 318-8655 to avail of free RFID stickers for faster entry and exit at the toll plaza.
  
For traffic updates, follow @officialSLEX and @SkywaySOMCO on twitter. To ask for assistance, report stalled vehicles and other road incidents, call or message: 02 318 (TOLL) 8655, 0917-5398762 or 0999-8860893 for Skyway; 0917 (OURSLEX) 6877539 for SLEX; and 0917 511 (STAR) 7827 or 043-756-7870 for Star Tollway.