Traveling for the Holy Week? Whether that’s for Visita Iglesia to churches outside of Metro Manila or an out-of-town getaway with your family, you can anticipate a surge of travelers during the upcoming holiday.
Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the concessionaire and operator of NLEX, SCTEX, NLEX Connector, CAVITEX, CALAX, and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), is rolling out its robust ‘Biyaheng Arangkada Semana Santa’ motorist assistance program. This road-safety initiative aims to provide a comfortable and stress-free journey for all motorists during peak seasons in MPTC’s extensive network of expressways.
Recognizing the significant increase in traffic volume expected during this period, MPTC has developed a multifaceted strategy centered on engaging road-safety messages, enhancing toll-plaza efficiency through RFID awareness, and providing readily accessible assistance services, now further amplified with a range of expanded offerings.
“MPTC’s role during Holy Week goes beyond traffic management—it’s about delivering a travel experience that’s safe, seamless, and reassuring,” said Jose K. Ma. Lim, president and CEO of MPTC. “‘Biyaheng Arangkada Semana Santa’ reflects our commitment to service that anticipates the needs of our motorists and helps families reconnect and travel with peace of mind.”
Drive safely, arrive safely: Essential road-safety guidelines
Here’s how travelers can observe critical road safety reminders to promote responsible driving practices:
- Ensure vehicle roadworthiness by conducting thorough pre-trip vehicle inspections. Pay close attention to tires, fluids, lights, and brakes to prevent unexpected breakdowns.
- Stay alert and well-rested. Take regular breaks at Rest and Refuel areas to combat fatigue during long drives. Prioritize getting sufficient sleep before your trip.
- Adhere to designated speed limits and maintain strict lane discipline to contribute to a smoother and safer tollway experience for all.
Faster, cashless toll transactions: Embrace RFID readiness
To minimize congestion at toll plazas and facilitate seamless passage, MPTC strongly encourages RFID adoption and responsible usage:
- Install an RFID sticker for swift and cashless toll transactions, significantly reducing queuing times.
- Reload your RFID ahead of time and maintain sufficient balance. Numerous reloading channels are available online and at authorized locations.
- Utilize the MPT DriveHub app, which is available for download via App Store and Google Play, for quick balance checks and toll-fee calculations.
- If your RFID is undetected, have it checked and replaced at designated service centers conveniently located along the expressways.
- Always carry your RFID card as a backup to ensure uninterrupted travel in the event of sticker issues.
Enhanced roadside assistance and support services
MPTC is significantly bolstering its on-ground presence with an array of readily available assistance for motorists who may encounter emergencies on the road:
- On-call assistance services for roadside emergencies are available 24/7 via a dedicated hotline (1-35000) and the MPT DriveHub app.
- Roadside assistance stations are strategically positioned along the tollways.
- More than 2,000 personnel along all MPTC expressways have been deployed as early as April 8 to manage traffic flow effectively and respond promptly to incidents.
- Well-equipped medical teams will be on standby to provide immediate assistance in case of medical emergencies along the expressways.
- Motorists may avail of complimentary basic mechanical checks and minor repairs at designated Rest and Refuel stations along the MPTC network.
- Free towing service to the nearest exit will be provided for Class 1 vehicles and Class 1M (for CCLEX) in case of vehicle breakdowns:
- NLEX, SCTEX, CALAX, CCLEX, and NLEX Connector: from April 9 at 6am until April 14 at 6am; from April 16 at 6am until April 21 at 6am
- CAVITEX: from April 16 at 6am until April 20 at 6pm
- Easytrip RFID teams are stationed at strategic locations to assist motorists with RFID installation, reloading, and account inquiries. The schedule of Easytrip stations can be checked on the Easytrip website’s Station Finder.
- CCLEX RFID services for installation, reloading, and inquiries are available at the Toll Plaza Tent (Cordova-bound).
- Free Wi-Fi Stations (powered by SMART) and complimentary drinking water (provided by Maynilad) are available at participating Rest and Refuel stations and motorist camps.
- Free health and wellness (provided by MWell) are available at select NLEX Rest and Refuel stations.
All these services will help ensure a seamless and safe Holy Week journey for all our motorists. These are coupled with all the affiliates’ ongoing efforts to promote road safety and RFID readiness, and demonstrate dedication to providing comprehensive support and a positive travel experience.
MPTC will be utilizing various communication channels to effectively disseminate these vital messages and ensure motorists are well-informed. Motorists are strongly encouraged to stay updated on traffic conditions and the locations of all available services through MPTC expressways’ official social media channels and the MPT DriveHub app.
Travel safely and conveniently this Holy Week with the enhanced ‘Biyaheng Arangkada Semana Santa’ program on MPTC Expressways!
