MPT South Corp. said it expects increased traffic this holiday season, particularly with the opening of the new Segment 2 of Cavitex to and from Sucat.
“Same with CALAX as more travelers are expected to vacation in Tagaytay-Nasugbu area,” it said.
NLEX Corp. also expected a 10-percent increase in traffic for North Luzon Expressway, NLEX Connector Road and Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway.
In 2024, NLEX recorded an average daily traffic of 334,000 vehicles; SCTEX, 78,000; and the NLEX Connector, 19,000.
Meanwhile, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. announced a toll-free initiative for motorists during select hours over the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Motorists could enjoy free toll passage on the following expressways — NLEX, SCTEX, NLEX Connector, CAVITEX, and CALAX — during the festive hours of Dec. 24 from 10 p.m. to Dec. 25 at 6 a.m. and again from Dec. 31 at 10 p.m. to Jan 1 at 6 a.m.
“Family time is priceless, especially during the holidays. Offering toll-free access is our humble gift to families who wish to maximize their time together,” said MPTC chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan.
MPTC noted that outside these designated hours, standard toll rates will be applicable.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, motorists are encouraged to have their RFID checked at the nearest Easytrip service center prior to entering the expressways.
“We also recommend that cash-paying customers switch to RFID for greater convenience and efficiency,” MPTC said.
San Miguel Corp. (SMC), through SMC Infrastructure, also waived the toll at expressways it operates on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve to make holiday travel smoother for motorists.
Toll fees across SMC’s expressways — including the Skyway System, NAIA Expressway (NAIAX), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), STAR Tollway and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) — will be waived from 10 p.m. on Dec. 24 to 6 a.m. on December 25 and again from 10 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 6 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2025.
“This is our way of saying thank you to everyone who uses the expressways we operate. It’s something we look forward to every year because it helps thousands of motorists get home to their families a little easier, especially during Christmas and New Year,” said SMC chairman Ramon Ang said.
