By Linjay Espina

Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the concessionaire of NLEX, SCTEX, NLEX Connector, Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), and Cebu-Cordova Expressway (CCLEX), launched the “Biyaheng Arangkada Semana Santa” motorist assistance program last April 16-21, 2025. In CAVITEX, the program was a collaboration between MPTC and the Philippine Reclamation Authority through PEA Tollway Corporation. This road safety initiative aimed to ensure a comfortable journey for all motorists during peak seasons. It focuses on providing stress-free travel, especially during Holy Week, in MPTC’s extensive network of expressways.

During this period, 10% increase in traffic volume is expected, thus MPTC have developed a multifaceted strategy to address the impact to the travelers’ experience. This strategy centers on providing enhanced assistance services. It includes increasing toll plaza efficiency through RFID awareness campaigns and promoting responsible road safety practices.

Drive Safely, Arrive Safely: Essential Road Safety Guidelines

Preparedness is the best defense. Part of the program is communicating to travelers essential guidelines for road safety. Among the key messages is the importance of ensuring vehicle roadworthiness before hitting the road. A comprehensive pre-trip inspection of the vehicle must be done before leaving to avoid unplanned breakdowns. For this, the abbreviation BLOWBAGETS must be remembered as it stands for brakes, lights, oil, water, battery, accessories, gas, engine, tire, and self.

Also, travelers must know that getting enough sleep before any trip and remaining vigilant while on the road are also essential to prevent weariness on lengthy travels. Travelers may also take frequent rest and refuel stops. For a more seamless and secure tollway experience for everyone, abide by the speed restrictions and practice lane discipline.

Faster, Cashless Toll Transactions: Embrace RFID Readiness

Having an RFID sticker with sufficient load in your car is the fastest way to travel. Getting an RFID sticker for the tollway is highly encouraged to shorten queuing time at the lanes, reduce traffic at toll plazas, and promote smooth travel.

Maintaining sufficient balance and reload your RFID before travel. Reloading channels are accessible both online and at authorized locations. Use the MPT DriveHub app that can be downloaded from Google Play and App Store. The MPT DriveHub app can be used to calculate toll fees and check load balance. In case of sticker problems, RFID card can be used as a backup to guarantee continuous travel.

Enhanced Roadside Assistance and Support Services

Last Holy Week, MPTC was present on-ground with an array of readily available assistance for motorists who encountered emergencies on the road:

• On-call assistance services for roadside emergencies are available 24/7 via a dedicated hotline (1-35000) and the MPT DriveHub app.
• Roadside assistance stations were strategically positioned along the tollways.
• More than 2,000 personnel along all MPTC expressways were deployed as early as April 8 to manage traffic flow effectively and respond promptly to incidents.
• Well-equipped medical teams were on standby to provide immediate assistance in case of medical emergencies along the expressways.
• Complimentary basic mechanical checks and minor repairs were available at designated Rest and Refuel stations along the MPTC network.
• Free towing service to the nearest exit provided for Class 1 vehicles and Class 1M (for CCLEX) in case of vehicle breakdowns:
• NLEX, SCTEX, CALAX, CCLEX, and NLEX Connector: from April 9 at 6am until April 14 at 6am; from April 16 at 6am until April 21 at 6am
• CAVITEX: from April 16 at 6am until April 20 at 6pm
• Easytrip RFID teams stationed at strategic locations to assist motorists with RFID installation, reloading, and account inquiries.
• CCLEX RFID services for installation, reloading, and inquiries were available at the Toll Plaza Tent (Cordova-bound).
• Free Wi-Fi Stations (powered by SMART) and complimentary drinking water (provided by Maynilad) were available at participating rest and refuel stations and motorist camps.
• Free health and wellness (provided by MWell) were available at select NLEX Rest and Refuel stations.

MPTC Biyaheng Arangkada pledges to make sure that every driver has a smooth and secure trip throughout Holy Week. These efforts include continuous initiatives to advance RFID preparedness and focus on road safety. This shows a commitment to offering all-encompassing assistance and a positive travel experience.

Motorists are strongly encouraged to stay updated on traffic conditions and aware of the locations of all available services. Information can be accessed through MPTC expressways’ official social media channels and the MPT DriveHub app.

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