METRO Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) expects traffic along its network of expressways to rise by as much as 15 percent during the Holy Week, prompting it to deploy its annual motorist assistance program dubbed Safe Trip Mo Sagot Ko (SMSK).
Rodrigo E. Franco, the company’s president, said historically, traffic during the Holy Week rises “anywhere from 10 percent to 15 percent.” Through its subsidiaries, MPTC operates the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (Sctex), Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (Cavitex), Cavitex C5 Link, and Cavite-Laguna Expressway (Calax).
“With the easing of travel restrictions, there’s a lot more outdoor activity from the general public. As we return to some normalcy as compared to recent years, we have anticipated this increase in volume by fielding additional personnel and offering special roadside services,” he said.
As part of the SMSK program, MPTC will increase the deployment of patrol crews, traffic marshals, security teams, and toll plaza personnel to ensure safety, and provide immediate assistance to motorists.
Emergency medical services and incident response teams will also be augmented and will be stationed at strategic areas of the expressways.
From April 18 to April 18, MPTC will suspend all lane closures and mainline road works unless safety repairs are needed. MPTC will also provide free towing services for Class 1 vehicles.
Franco encouraged motorists to download the MPT DriveHub app, a travel app that allows users to manage their RFID accounts, receive updated traffic advisories, and request for roadside assistance if needed.
“MPT DriveHub is designed to make access and mobility efficient and easy for our customers. Aside from getting to their destination safely and conveniently, we want them to feel secure that we have these customer-centric services so they can focus on enjoying the journey,” he said.
MPT DriveHub, he said, complements the SMSK program for the Holy Week exodus.
“The app, the increased manpower deployment, the roadside services identified to respond to our customers’ needs for this coming Holy Week—these initiatives are synergistic—they all come together to create a travel experience that is safer and more relaxing,” Franco said.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza