MPTC pushes NLEX-SLEX interoperability

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), a tollway unit of infrastructure conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), is urging the government to push for the interoperability of the two major expressways.

“We have a standing offer with the government for the interoperability of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). We want to promote it because it would be more convenient for travelers,” MPTC president and CEO Ramoncito Fernandez said.

“We would like the government to push for it. It would smoothen travel from North to South and vice versa,” he pointed out.

The MPTC official said they believe the government is open to the idea but will just need a “little push.”

“We believe the government wants it too. They support (the idea) but up to now we have yet to get a concrete response from them,” he said.

The 84-kilometer NLEX is currently being managed by Manila North Tollway Corp. a unit of MPTC, while SLEX is controlled by the San Miguel Corp. (SMC) group.

Once interoperable, NLEX and SLEX would use a common system which will allow vehicles to pass through these highways without the hassle of using different tags.

If implemented, the interoperability of the expressways could also be part of the automated fare system being proposed by the government wherein a common pass/tag could be used in different modes of transportation such as metro trains, buses and taxis.

The government is expected to bid out this year the P1.72-billion automated fare collection system (AFCS).

A total of nine groups submitted qualification documents for the AFCS project.