In anticipation of the rush of travelers to the provinces for the New Year holidays, two main toll operators in Laguna province have announced that they will offer toll-free passage during select hours this coming New Year.
Motorists can enjoy free toll passage from 10:00 p.m. on December 31, 2024 to 6:00 a.m. on January 1, 2025, along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and STAR Tollway, operated by SMC Infrastructure; and along the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), operated by Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC).
“Family time is priceless, especially during the holidays. Offering toll-free access is our humble gift to families who wish to maximize their time together,” Manuel Pangilinan, MPTC Chairman and CEO, said in a statement.
Meanwhile, SMC Chairman Ramon Ang said this is the toll road operators' way of expressing gratitude to the motorists and commuters who use SMC's toll roads throughout the year.
"It’s something we look forward to every year because it helps thousands of motorists get home to their families a little easier, especially during Christmas and New Year," Ang added.
On high alert
SMC Infrastructure has readied itself to receive the expected deluge of motorists and commuters traveling for the holidays.
Starting at 12:00 noon on December 20, patrollers and security personnel have been deployed in critical areas, while emergency response personnel will be placed on alert.
Traffic monitoring centers at each of the expressways will be staffed round-the-clock to keep watch over the flow of vehicle traffic.
Roadworks that may affect traffic flow will be suspended, starting noon of December 20, up to January 3, 2025 to free up space along carriageways.
Tow trucks and other emergency vehicles are also being pre-positioned at strategic areas to be able to respond to incidents quickly.
Meanwhile, SMC Infrastructure has stepped up its coordination with the traffic management offices of local government units, to minimize traffic bottlenecks in their jurisdictions.
Congestion on local roads usually contributes to traffic flow at expressway exits, which in turn triggers vehicular congestion on the carriageways.
“We appeal to our motorists for patience as we anticipate heavy traffic around Metro Manila, which may affect their travel plans or scheduled flights. We advise them to plan their trips ahead and allot more time for travel, to make sure they arrive at their destinations on time,” the company said.
The two toll road operators reminded motorists to ensure they have enough load in their RFID accounts, to prevent delays at exits.
Motorists are also asked to avoid tailgating at toll plazas so that RFID scanners can read their tags properly.
(OpinYon News Team)
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