SMC tollways gear up for Undas traffic surge

Metro Manila, Philippines - San Miguel Corporation’s tollway arm said it is gearing up for an expected 10 percent increase in vehicle volume across its expressways during the Undas holiday period, deploying round-the-clock operations and additional response teams to manage the surge.

Starting 12:01 a.m. on October 29, SMC Infrastructure will activate full staffing under the Department of Transportation’s Oplan Biyaheng Ayos, which coordinates nationwide travel measures during peak holidays. The company said millions of Filipinos are expected to travel to the provinces over the long weekend to observe Undas.

Quick-response teams equipped with ambulances, tow trucks, and fire engines have been stationed along SLEX, Skyway System, STAR, NAIA Expressway, and TPLEX, supported by a 24-hour command center overseeing traffic and emergency coordination.

All road works will be suspended from noon of October 29 until 10 p.m. of November 4 to maximize lane availability.

SMC Infrastructure said it is also implementing the recently launched One RFID interoperability program, which allows motorists to use a single RFID tag across SMC and Metro Pacific expressways. The program allows SMC’s Autosweep and MPTC’s Easytrip systems to be read at each others’ tollways, enabling smoother transactions and reducing queues at toll plazas.

However, the company clarified that the program is not automatic. Motorists must enroll their existing Autosweep accounts to activate interoperability. Registration is free and voluntary through www.autosweeprfid.com or at Autosweep service centers located along toll plazas and major fuel stations. Motorists will receive a confirmation email after registration, which must be presented for verification.

“We want to make it clear that interoperability has been launched, but activation still requires a simple one-time registration,” SMC Infrastructure said. “Once enrolled, motorists can enjoy seamless travel across all major expressways.”

The company added it has aligned its traffic management plans with the MMDA, Toll Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Office, and local governments to manage bottlenecks at key junctions. Emergency help desks will also operate 24/7 at Petron service stations to assist motorists.

Drivers are advised to check vehicle condition, ensure RFID accounts are sufficiently loaded, and observe traffic rules. For assistance, motorists may contact SLEX 0917-687-7539, STAR 0917-511-7827 / 043-756-7870, TPLEX 0917-888-0715, and Skyway 02-5318-8655.