MANILA – The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) is expecting an increase in vehicular traffic along the two main expressways going out of the National Capital Region (NCR) beginning Saturday as part of the holiday travel rush.
In a “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon” interview over PTV on Friday, TRB Spokesperson Julius Corpuz said peak travel seasons, such as the holidays generally result in a five to 10 percent increase, at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).
“Marami na po sa ating mga paaralan ang nagsara na, last day na po today at marami na rin sa ating mga kababayan ang nag-leave na yata, bakasyon para sa pagdiriwang nitong Kapaskuhan at Bagong Taon (Many schools are already on break, it’s their last day today, and many workers are already on leave for the Christmas and New Year holidays),” Corpuz said.
To help ensure a smooth flow of traffic along the two major expressways, all toll lanes have been opened as part of the toll operators’ commitment to address the expected increase in vehicular traffic.
“May full deployment of manpower po ‘no, unang-una dito sa ating mga security, iyong patrol vehicles natin, ganoon din ho dito sa ating mga traffic management personnel (There will be a full manpower deployment, this includes security personnel, patrol vehicles, as well as traffic management personnel),” he said.
In addition, incident response teams such as ambulances, medical personnel, tow trucks, and fire trucks will be prepositioned in key areas to ensure quick response for any emergencies.
“Mayroon din pong mga technicians na naka-standby diyan kung sakaling magkaaberya man ang mga sistema or equipment na ginagamit ng ating mga toll operators (We also have technicians who are on standby in case any system or equipment used by our toll operators are damaged),” he said.
In the case of heavy congestion, he said traffic management measures such as a counter-flow scheme and immediate deployment of barriers in toll gates will be on standby.
On the other hand, all construction works on the expressways that will impede the efficient flow of traffic will be suspended during the period.
“Subalit iyon namang pong mga trabahong hindi naman po nakakasagabal ay hayaan naman po sana natin silang ipagpatuloy upang lalong makatapos po sa lalong madaling panahon sapagkat mas magandang mapakinabangan kaagad itong gaya ng mga expansion works na kanilang ginagawa sa ngayon (But any projects that don’t impede traffic will be allowed to continue so they can be completed as soon as possible and we reap the benefits such as expansion works),” he said.
He also reminded motorists to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before they travel, using the acronym BLOWBAGETS (Battery, Lights, Oil, Water, Brake, Air, Gas, Engine, Tire, and Self). (PNA)