San Miguel Corp.’s tollway arm, SMC Infrastructure, said Tuesday it is preparing for a projected 10-percent increase in vehicle volume across its expressways during the upcoming Undas holiday period and is deploying full operational teams and quick-response units.
Starting 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 29, SMC Infrastructure will activate full staffing under the Department of Transportation’s “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos,” coordinating nationwide travel measures for the peak holiday. The company expects millions of Filipinos to travel to the provinces over the long weekend to observe Undas.
To manage the expected surge, the company is deploying round-the-clock operations and additional response teams.
Quick-response teams equipped with ambulances, tow trucks and fire engines have been stationed along SLEX, Skyway System, STAR, NAIA Expressway and TPLEX, supported by a 24-hour command center overseeing traffic and emergency coordination.
All road works will be suspended from noon of Oct. 29 until 10 p.m. of Nov. 4 to maximize lane availability.
SMC Infrastructure also announced the implementation of the recently launched “One RFID interoperability program,” allowing motorists to use a single RFID tag across both SMC and Metro Pacific expressways.
The program allows SMC’s Autosweep and MPTC’s Easytrip systems to be read at each others’ tollways, enabling smoother transactions and reducing queues at toll plazas.
However, the company clarified that the program is not automatic. Motorists must enroll their existing Autosweep accounts to activate interoperability. Registration is free and voluntary through www.autosweeprfid.com or at Autosweep service centers located along toll plazas and major fuel stations.
“We want to make it clear that interoperability has been launched, but activation still requires a simple one-time registration,” SMC Infrastructure said.
“Once enrolled, motorists can enjoy seamless travel across all major expressways,” it said. Motorists will receive a confirmation email after registration, which must be presented for verification.
The company said it has aligned its traffic management plans with the MMDA, Toll Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Office, and local governments to manage bottlenecks at key junctions. Emergency help desks will also operate 24/7 at Petron service stations to assist motorists.
