Planning trips key to smooth journey
IT’S a great challenge to beat the heavy traffic expected in major expressways this week due to the mass exodus of Filipinos to provinces for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections and the “Undas” holidays.
Planning of trips ahead of the extended holidays is the key for a smooth journey.
THE government earlier declared October 30 a special non-working day for the elections. On the other hand, November 1 and 2 are for the traditional observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ days.
San Miguel Corporation (SMC), which operates the South Luzon Expressway, (SLEX), Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR), the Skyway System, NAIA Expressway, and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), has anticipated the heavy traffic volume, particularly motorists heading out of Metro Manila.
In support of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) ‘Oplan Biyaheng Ayos’, which aims to provide our countrymen smooth and safe travels, SMC Infrastructure has put in place a multitude of mitigating measures to help 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.
Its emergency services such as fire trucks, ambulances, and towing trucks have also been readied and are on standby to provide immediate assistance to distressed motorists.
It said all roadworks and related activities that could contribute to traffic flow in expressways, toll plazas, and exits were also be suspended starting noon of October 27 and will resume at 10:00PM of November 5.
The company is also mobilizing additional patrollers and toll personnel at exits and toll plazas where traffic is expected to be heavy.
To further minimize possible causes of delays at the tollways, SMC Infrastructure reminded motorists to make sure their Autosweep accounts have sufficient load, and to have their cards ready in their vehicles should these be needed.
The company also cited other ways motorists can contribute to faster, safer travel along the expressways. These include avoiding tailgating at exit lanes so RFID readers can scan vehicle tags properly; ensuring vehicles are roadworthy before travelling, observing all traffic rules especially speed limits, and wearing of seatbelts at all times.
Motorists who might encounter emergencies or vehicle trouble can stop and use lay-bys or seek assistance at selected Petron stations, SMC said.
Meanwhile, motorists should also be advised to thoroughly check their vehicles if they are fit for long trips before hitting the road. This could help them avoid troubles that could spoil their vacation.
Always pray to God and practice safe driving.
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