Public buses, delivery trucks will be allowed on Skyway again starting April 1

By: Zacarian Sarao - 3 years ago

FILE PHOTO: Skyway Extension

MANILA, Philippines — Public utility buses and closed van delivery trucks may again be able to use the elevated Skyway system starting April 1.

This was announced Monday by San Miguel Corp.’s (SMC) Skyway O&M Corp. (SOMCO), which also reported the completion of major construction works on the highway.

“All Class ‘2’ vehicles – primarily buses and closed vans exceeding 7 feet in height and with valid Autosweep RFID stickers – will be allowed on the entire elevated Skyway system, comprised of Skyway 1, 2, and 3,” said SOMCO in a statement.

These vehicles were previously restricted from using the Skyway for safety reasons, as construction of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) elevated extension in Muntinlupa City required the use of a temporary steel access ramp at the Alabang viaduct – which was only intended for light vehicles.

SOMCO said buses can enter and pass through the Skyway elevated sections spanning Alabang to Bicutan (Stage 2), Bicutan to Buendia (Stage 1), and Buendia to Balintawak (Stage 3) starting April 1, as they can also soon access the new SLEX elevated extension and NAIA Expressway.

Strict rules, however, will be imposed to maintain smooth traffic flow and ensure the safety of all Skyway motorists.

SOMCO then issued the guidelines to ensure smooth travel across the Skyway system. It said that to avoid long queues in the toll plazas, dedicated lanes for Class-2 vehicles will be provided in the following locations:

Quezon Avenue NB/SB
Main Plaza Sucat Area
Quirino NB/SB Exit
Dr. A. Santos
Doña Soledad
Buendia NB/SB
Del Monte NB/SB
G. Araneta NB entry
Nagtahan NB/SB
NAIAX

SOMCO also said that in order to avoid any untoward incidents involving Class 2 vehicles:

Modified 4 or 6-wheeler and closed delivery vans are not allowed on the elevated ramps
Speed limit of 60kph will be strictly enforced
Class-2 vehicles should ensure that their Autosweep RFID has enough balance
Only buses and closed vans with sufficient Autosweep RFID balance can be accommodated at the elevated Skyway
Vehicles with insufficient load are asked to use the at-grade section

“With the re-opening of the Skyway to public buses and select transport trucks, we’re hopeful that many of our countrymen from both north and south can benefit from the convenience provided by the entire Skyway system,” said SMC president Ramon S. Ang.

“This is an option for commuters as well as public transport services, who would like to have a faster, more direct, or even point-to-point access to their destinations. This will also help to further decongest our public roads, given that we are now back to pre-pandemic levels of traffic,” he added.

Ang further said that in preparation for the Skyway’s reopening to public buses, substantial planning is underway to ensure the readiness of Skyway plazas, toll booths, patrols, and SOMCO staff.

KGA