Tollway operators are preparing for an expected increase in motorists on their toll networks during All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day over the weekend.
SMC Infrastructure, the infrastructure arm of San Miguel Corp. (SMC), is expecting a 10% increase in vehicle volume on its expressways during the lockdown period.
With this, SMC is deploying 24/7 operations of its response teams to manage the expected high number of motorists.
Additionally, SMC Infrastructure said it is also implementing the One-RFID Interoperability Program, allowing motorists to use a single RFID-tag on SMC and Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) expressways.
This program allows SMC's AutoSweep and MPTC's EasyTrip systems to be readable on each other's tollways.
SMC Infrastructure said, “We would like to clarify that interoperability has been launched, but activation still requires simple one-time registration…Once enrolled, motorists can enjoy seamless travel on all major expressways.”
Separately, the MPTC said it is also intensifying operations by deploying additional personnel and round-the-clock traffic monitoring and rapid response team.
It said about 2,000 traffic, toll and emergency personnel will be on duty across its network.
“MPTC encourages motorists to ensure that their vehicles are in good condition, and that RFID accounts are adequately loaded, before traveling,” MPTC said.
MPTC is the tollways unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., one of the three major Philippine subsidiaries of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co., Ltd., along with Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT Inc.
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