Anticipating The Northern Exodus

MANILA, Philippines - Just like the great migrations of the birds, Metro Manila residents have their annual migration patterns, and it’s practically become a science. The season of Holy Week is by far one of the busiest times for traveling, and based on past figures, authorities expect a 15-20% increase in travel volume along the major thoroughfares leading in and out of the metro.

In response to this calculated phenomenon, the Tollways Management Corporation (TMC), who is the operator of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), has beefed-up its manpower to accommodate the extra needs of the said season. Here is a rundown of what motorists can expect during this super peak season:

 ON APRIL 20-21

NLEX

Deployment of ambulant tellers at the Balintawak, Mindanao Avenue, Dau Toll Plazas to facilitate lane transactions;

Opening of spare lanes at Dau, Angeles and Bocaue to shorten que of vehicles;

SCTEX

Opening of manual lanes at Tarlac, Tipo, San Miguel, Mabalacat and Lapaz Toll Plazas to accommodate heavy traffic;

Deployment of ambulant tellers at the Tarlac, Tipo, San Miguel, Mabalacat and Lapaz Toll Plazas to ensure fast toll transactions; 

ON APRIL 24-25

NLEX

Ambulant tellers at Bocaue Toll Plaza to expedite lane transactions;

Opening of 3 manual spare lanes at Bocaue Toll Plaza to accommodate Manila-bound vehicles;

SCTEX

Opening of 5 spare lanes at Mabalacat Toll Plaza to manage high volume of vehicles;

Extra manual lanes at Tipo Toll Plaza;

Deployment of ambulant tellers at Mabalacat and Tipo Toll Plazas to hasten transactions;

DURATION OF HOLY WEEK (APRIL 20-25)

Deployment of Speed Management and Lane Management Teams to ensure road safety and smooth traffic;

Roving and Stationary Patrol Vehicles ready to assist motorists in distress;

Motorcycle Riders ready to facilitate interchanges in case of traffic build-up;

Towing and emergency roadside assistance on stand-by 24/7

The MNTC and TMC, together with their partners, will also provide free, value-added services to their motorists during the Holy Week proper: April 20-25. This Motorist Assistance Program (MAP) will operate from 7am-9pm on the said dates. It aims to make available to the public, several Tollway Service Facilities (TSFs) that will serve as motorist support stations.

As per the program, 9 TSFs will be available along NLEX, and 1 in SFEX. Meanwhile, 2 base camps will be set along SCTEX – 1 in each direction. These TSFs are to provide free value-added services to the public, such as:

First aid in medical stations;

Basic mechanical troubleshooting;

Car diagnostic services;

Towing for class-1 vehicles to the nearest exit;

Wi-fi at selected NLEX TSFs;

Drinks;

Various product samplings

While the 2 Motorist-Assistance Camps along SCTEX are to provide the following services:

Portalets;

Cellphone-charging stations;

Wi-fi;

Free bottled water and Coke Zero in can, while supplies last;

First Aid stations;

Towing for class-1 vehicles to the nearest exit;

Food stations

Clearly, this Holy Week’s Motoring Assistance Program is bound to ensure that all motorists traveling along NLEX and SCTEX will continue to enjoy a safe and comfortable journey. We suggest that you keep handy the following emergency numbers if you plan to take the north-bound route during this great exodus: 

NLEX

(02) 35-000

(02) 580-8910

SCTEX

0920-967-2839

For more information, you may log on to: www.tollways.net.ph. Bon Voyage!