Skyway to reopen to buses, delivery trucks

MANILA, Philippines — Public utility buses, closed vans and delivery trucks will again be allowed on the elevated Skyway beginning April 1, San Miguel Corp. (SMC) announced yesterday.

SMC subsidiary Skyway O&M Corp. said all Class 2 vehicles exceeding seven feet in height and with valid Autosweep RFID stickers would be able to use the Skyway next month after completion of major construction works.

Buses and delivery trucks were earlier restricted from using the Skyway for safety reasons as construction of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) elevated extension in Muntinlupa required the use of a steel access ramp at the Alabang viaduct.

The steel ramp, which was in use for around two years, was intended only for light vehicles.

With the lifting of COVID restrictions, SMC said buses would be allowed to pass through the Skyway elevated sections spanning Alabang to Bicutan (Stage 2), Bicutan to Buendia (Stage 1) and Buendia to Balintawak (Stage 3).

Buses and closed vans can also access the new SLEX elevated extension and the NAIA Expressway.

“With the reopening of the Skyway to passenger buses and select transport trucks, we are hopeful that many of our countrymen from both north and south can benefit from the convenience provided by the Skyway system,” SMC president Ramon Ang said.

“This is an option for public transport services and commuters, who would like to have a faster, more direct or even point-to-point access to their destinations. This will also help decongest public roads, given that we are now back to pre-pandemic levels of traffic,” Ang added.

SMC said strict rules would be implemented to maintain the smooth flow of traffic and ensure the safety of Skyway motorists.

A speed limit of 60 kilometers per hour will be strictly enforced.

Dedicated lanes for Class 2 vehicles will also be provided to avoid long queues at the toll plazas.

SMC said only buses and closed vans with sufficient Autosweep RFID balance can be accommodated on the Skyway. Vehicles with insufficient load are asked to use the at-grade section.

Modified four or six-wheelers and closed delivery vans will not be allowed on the Skyway to avoid untoward incidents.