METRO Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) on Wednesday said its toll roads will step up their operations due to the expected higher traffic volume during Undas (All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day).
MPTC will “boost customer services and safety protocols” along North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), Manila–Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), Circumferential Road 5 (C5) LINK, and Cavite–Laguna Expressway (CALAX) from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2, the company said in an e-mailed statement.
“Construction and lane closures along the mainline road of all MPTC expressways will be suspended from Oct. 27 until Nov. 2 unless safety repairs are necessary,” it noted.
“For those traveling with Class 1 or light vehicles, free 24-hour towing service to the nearest exit will be available from Oct. 29, 6 a.m. to Nov. 2, 6 a.m.”
With the implementation of the more relaxed Alert Level 3 in the National Capital Region, the company expects the average daily traffic along CAVITEX, C5 LINK, and CALAX to increase around 11% to 15%.
Traffic volume is expected to increase by 10% along NLEX and SCTEX.
The company encouraged motorists to use its cashless payment system to avoid queues at the cash lanes.
“We remain committed to provide our motorists with ease of travel, ensure their safety, and assist them immediately this season as we also continue to observe [the coronavirus] protocols for the protection of our customers and employees,” MPTC President and Chief Executive Officer Rodrigo E. Franco said.
MPTC is the tollways unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., one of three key Philippine units of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT, Inc.
Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Arjay L. Balinbin
