MPTC: Brace for weekend traffic jams

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) yesterday advised motorists to expect traffic congestion, with the easing of travel restrictions and the long holiday weekend.

MPTC said traffic volume is expected to increase by 10 percent along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). The average daily traffic is seen rising by 11 to 15 percent along the Manila–Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), C5 Link and Cavite–Laguna Expressway (CALAX).

MPTC said it would step up its operations along NLEX, SCTEX, CAVITEX, C5 Link and CALAX from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2 through the implementation of “Safe trip mo, sagot ko” program.

The program aims to enhance services along MPTC’s expressway network for a safer and more comfortable travel.

MPTC said its operations teams have been on heightened alert as early as Oct. 22 and have intensified customer services and safety protocols in line with the expected influx of motorists.

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

MPTC said traffic management teams would adopt extended working hours to monitor and manage the expected high volume of vehicles in Balintawak and Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City; Karuhatan in Valenzuela; Bocaue, Bulacan; San Simon, San Fernando, and Tarlac.

The company said around 1,200 patrol crews, traffic marshals and security teams would be deployed to assist motorists.

Emergency medical services and incident response teams will also be fielded at strategic areas of the expressways, MPTC said.

MPTC said its customer service centers would be operational around the clock and ambulant tellers would be ready to assist motorists.

MPTC is encouraging motorists to use RFID as means of toll payment to avoid queues at cash lanes to facilitate faster and safer travel.