In the spirit of the Yuletide season, San Miguel Corporation (SMC), through SMC Infrastructure, is continuing its annual tradition of waiving toll fees on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve across the expressways it operates. This initiative aims to ensure smoother holiday travel for motorists.
Toll fees will be waived from 10:00 PM on December 24 to 6:00 AM on December 25, and again from 10:00 PM on December 31 to 6:00 AM on January 1, 2025, on the following SMC-operated expressways:
- Skyway System
- NAIA Expressway (NAIAX)
- South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
- STAR Tollway
- Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX)
“This is our way of saying thank you to everyone who uses the expressways we operate,” said SMC Chairman Ramon S. Ang. “It’s something 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.”
Enhanced Safety and Traffic Management Measures
To ensure the safety and convenience of motorists, SMC has implemented the following measures starting at 12 noon on December 20:
- Deployment of Personnel: Patrollers, security teams, and emergency responders will be stationed in critical areas along the tollway network.
- Round-the-Clock Traffic Monitoring: Traffic monitoring centers will operate 24/7 to oversee vehicle flow and address any incidents promptly.
- Suspension of Roadworks: Roadworks affecting traffic flow will be suspended from December 20 at noon until January 3, 2025, to maximize road capacity.
- Strategic Positioning of Emergency Vehicles: Tow trucks and other emergency vehicles will be pre-positioned at key areas for quick response.
SMC Infrastructure is also coordinating with local government traffic management offices to address potential congestion on local roads that could affect expressway exits.
Tips for Motorists
With heavy traffic expected in and around Metro Manila, SMC Infrastructure encourages motorists to:
- Plan Ahead: Allow extra travel time to reach destinations on schedule.
- Ensure RFID Load: Check and load Autosweep RFID accounts to avoid delays at toll exits.
- Avoid Tailgating: Maintain proper distance at toll plazas to ensure smooth RFID scanning.
- Sign Up for Autosweep RFID: Registration is free, and reloading is convenient through electronic payment systems, online banking, e-wallets, or Autosweep service centers.
- Inspect Vehicles: Perform a safety check to ensure vehicles are roadworthy before traveling.
Assistance and Emergency Contacts
For road emergencies, motorists can contact the following hotlines for assistance:
- Skyway System and NAIAX: (02) 5318-8655 or 0917-539-8762
- SLEX: (049) 508-7539 or 0917-687-7539
- STAR Tollway: (043) 756-7870 or 0917-511-7827
- TPLEX: 0917-888-0715
“We appeal to motorists for patience as we anticipate heavy traffic during the holidays,” the company said. “By planning trips ahead and following traffic rules, we can all contribute to a safer and more enjoyable holiday season.”
