The NLEX Corporation, concessionaire of NLEX-SCTEX, assures that traffic and toll collection management plans are in place for the anticipated surge in traffic volume from December 22, 2017 until January 2, 2018, as people are expected to go to the provinces for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The Metro Pacific-led company is enhancing the traffic management and toll collection services as part of its “Safe Trip Mo Sagot Ko” (SMSK) Motorist Assistance Program aimed at ensuring hassle-free travel during holidays for all NLEX-SCTEX motorists.
“It’s all systems go for the rise in traffic volume this Christmas season. Our team has always been prepared to assist our motorists and manage the traffic flow,” said NLEX Corporation President and CEO Rodrigo Franco.
Since December 16, NLEX-SCTEX Traffic Operations have been on heightened alert and have deployed additional traffic personnel to closely monitor traffic conditions at NLEX Balintawak, Mindanao Avenue, Bocaue, San Fernando, Sta. Ines and SCTEX Tarlac and Tipo toll plazas.
Mainline road works will likewise be suspended until January 2, 2018 unless safety repair is required.
During critical hours of December 22, 23, 29, and 30, the NLEX Balintawak Toll Plaza will open 24 toll collection points instead of the usual 18, while the Mindanao Avenue Toll Plaza will increase its toll collection points to 10 from 7. The SCTEX Tarlac Toll Plaza will also have 20 collection points for northbound motorists.
On December 25, the Bocaue Toll Plaza will open 48 toll collection points to accommodate motorists returning to Metro Manila. The set-up will be the same on January 1 and 2.
Portabooths and portable toll collection equipment will be used to further increase the capacity of the toll plazas.
NLEX traffic personnel will likewise be ready to assist motorists and manage increased traffic volume brought by several events in the Ciudad de Victoria-Philippine Arena area. These events include the PBA game on December 25 and New Year countdown on December 30-31.
Traffic advisories will be relayed to motorists through variable message signs and regular updates on social media.
Towing and emergency medical services will also be augmented to provide quick motorist assistance.
“We are hoping that with all these preparations, we will be able to help lessen the travel time of our motorists so they can spend more quality time with their loved ones,” Franco said.
