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Manila Bulletin devider Drive devider SMC and MPTC Tollways ready for long holiday exodus

SMC and MPTC Tollways ready for long holiday exodus

Operators prepared for increased vehicle traffic

Published Mar 28, 2024 02:34 am
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Cavitex tollgate

San Miguel Corporation’s (SMC) infrastructure unit and Metro Pacific Tollways (MPTC) are anticipating the surge in vehicle traffic across their expressways.

SMC, which operates include the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR), Skyway System, NAIA Expressway, and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) has deployed additional ambulant tellers equipped with handheld RFID card readers will be stationed at toll plazas' entry and exit points.

SMC Infrastructure has also intensified patrol surveillance to ensure rapid emergency responses and assistance for motorists in need. 

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SMC Tollways

Speed limits are enforced at 100 kph for Class 1 vehicles and 80 kph for Classes 2 and 3 on at-grade expressways, with a 60 kph limit on Skyway Stage 3 and NAIA Expressway for enhanced safety.

MPTC, for its part is reactivating its "Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko" motorist assistance program and elevating operational readiness to cater to motorists' needs to address this surge. 

“Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko” will be running in MPTC South tollways, which include the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) and Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), as well as its C5 Link segment.

Additional manpower will be deployed for services including traffic management, toll collection, standby emergency medical services, and incident response teams. Motorist assistance remains accessible through 24/7 Customer Service Centers, a 24/7 Customer Care Hotline at 1-35000, and 24/7 social media channels to ensure a hassle-free journey.

During the period, free towing will be provided for CLASS 1 vehicles up to the nearest exit, available from 6AM on March 22 to 6AM of March 25, 2024; 6AM of March 27 to 6AM of March 29, 2024; and 6AM of March 30 until 6AM of April 1, 2024. Construction and lane closures along the carriageway will also be suspended unless safety repairs are necessary.

During the period, free towing will be provided for CLASS 1 vehicles up to the nearest exit, available from 6AM on March 22 to 6AM of March 25, 2024; 6AM of March 27 to 6AM of March 29, 2024; and 6AM of March 30 until 6AM of April 1, 2024. Construction and lane closures along the carriageway will also be suspended unless safety repairs are necessary.

Motorists are also reminded to maintain sufficient balance in their Autosweep and Easytrip RFID accounts to prevent toll plaza delays. Easy top-up options —  including online banking, e-wallets, and payment kiosks —are available through various channels. SMC will extend service hours at Autosweep desks and stations are also implemented to facilitate the switch to RFID, in line with cashless transaction policies.

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