NLEX execs brace for holiday rush

MALOLOS CITY , Philippines  – North Luzon Expressway managers mapped out a two-week plan as they brace for increased volume of traffic due to the holiday rush.

As this developed, the Tollways Management Corp. (TMC) advised motorists to plan their trips ahead, while they beef up their manpower to ensure safe and smooth travel along the NLEX, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and the Subic Freeport Expressway.

“We are fielding additional 50 tellers at Balintawak interchange starting today (Saturday),” said Lia Mañalac, TMC media relations specialist.

Average daily volume of motorists using the NLEX is 140,000 per day, and according to Mañalac, this is expected to reach over 150,000 per day.

Along with additional tellers, the TMC will also deploy more patrol vehicles along the expressway to ensure that immediate assistance will be given to all travelers.

Trained tollways personnel will also be on guard against untoward incidents that may happen in the expressway.

Ambulances with paramedics will be posted near the Balintawak, Sta. Rita and San Fernando interchanges, while towing services provided by the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) are on call in strategic locations for faster assistance.

Also in preparation for the New Year celebration, Mañalac said they will set up cones at the exit ramps of the Bocaue toll plaza on Dec. 29, 30 and 31.

She said that this is in preparation for increased vehicle volume going to Bocaue to buy firecrackers.

After the holidays, the TMC said they will deploy additional ambulant tellers at Dau and Bocaue interchanges to ensure fast transaction for motorists traveling back to Manila on Jan. 2 to 3.          – Dino Balabo