SMC waives toll on holiday eves

MANILA, Philippines — Infrastructure builder San Miguel Corp. (SMC) is waiving the toll on its expressways on the eves of Christmas and New Year’s, for smoother passage at the toll plazas.

SMC yesterday said it is waiving the toll of motorists from 10 p.m. of Dec. 24 to 6 a.m. of Dec. 25 and between 10 p.m. of Dec. 31 and 6 a.m. of Jan. 1, 2025.

The free road use covers all of SMC’s expressways: Skyway System, NAIA Expressway, South Luzon Expressway, STAR Tollway and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway.

Although the main goal of the program is to ease vehicle traffic, SMC chairman Ramon Ang said it is also the company’s way of thanking motorists. Ang also assured travelers that SMC is ready with measures for the holiday rush.

“This is our way of saying thank you to everyone who uses the expressways we operate. It is also something that 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,” Ang said.

The company has deployed additional traffic and security personnel in critical areas since yesterday, and it has also placed on alert its emergency response.

Aside from this, SMC has suspended all road works that could affect traffic flow until Jan. 3, 2025, to free up space along carriageways.

The operator has also assigned tow trucks and emergency vehicles in strategic areas to be able to respond to incidents quickly.

Likewise, SMC is working with local government units to minimize traffic gridlocks on national roads, and reminded motorists to load up their RFID accounts to avoid traffic delays at toll exits.

On top of this, motorists are advised to avoid tailgating at toll plazas so that RFID scanners can read properly.