San Miguel Corporation (SMC), one of the biggest companies in the Philippines, has announced that its infrastructure unit is getting ready for heavy traffic on its major expressways from October 27 to November 2. This is due to the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on October 30 and the “Undas,” or All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day holiday on November 1 and 2.
Motorists are advised to plan their trips accordingly as heavy traffic is expected along the tollways, including the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR), the Skyway System, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Expressway, and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).
To accommodate the increase in travelers, additional patrollers and toll personnel will be deployed at exits and toll plazas to assist passengers, especially in traffic hotspots along the expressways. In an effort to ease traffic flow, roadwork activities in expressways, toll plazas, and exits will be temporarily suspended from October 27 at 12 noon until November 5 at 10 p.m.
San Miguel Corporation also reminds motorists to have sufficient funds loaded in their Auto sweep accounts in advance, prepare their cards early, avoid tailgating at exit lanes to ensure smooth RFID tag scanning, and observe all traffic rules and speed limits.
In a statement, the company said, “This is in anticipation of heavy traffic volume, particularly from motorists heading out of Metro Manila. In support of the Department of Transportation’s ‘Oplan Biyaheng Ayos,’ which aims to provide our countrymen with smooth and safe travels, SMC Infrastructure is implementing various measures to make motorists’ journeys more manageable and safe.”
The company has coordinated its traffic management plans with the Toll Regulatory Board, local government units, the police, the Land Transportation Office, and other agencies. Emergency services, including fire trucks, ambulances, and towing trucks, have been prepared and are on standby to provide immediate assistance to distressed motorists.
Motorists in need of emergency assistance can stop at designated lay-bys or seek help at selected Petron stations. It is also recommended to contact the authorities using the provided hotlines: SLEX Hotline: 09176877539, TPLEX Hotline: 09178880715, STAR Hotlines: 09175117827 / 043-7567870, and Skyway Hotline: 02-53188655.
