Pack plenty of patience, returning motorists advised

THE TARLAC–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway (TPLEx). INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines–The San Miguel Corp.-backed Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx) has advised motorists to expect heavy traffic beginning Saturday until Sunday as thousands make their way back to Metro Manila from their vacations.

The advisory came after the heavy congestion experienced on the highways around Christmas, which the TPLEx noted.

Since Dec. 26, the TPLEx observed a sharp spike in vehicle volume to about 25,000 a day, nearly three times the usual traffic.

The TPLEx traffic management group said it deployed more than twice the number of ambulant tellers and security personnel to manage traffic flow and provide assistance to motorists.

“The TPLEx management assures the public that necessary measures are in place to address the expected high volume of traffic toward the end of the New Year holiday,” it said in the statement.

Meanwhile, the TPLEx said that it supported a unified toll collection system.

It said the integration of toll fee collection in expressways north of Metro Manila would be a positive step toward improving overall traffic flow and enhancing motorist convenience.

“While this involves extensive technical study involving all the companies managing the toll roads, the TPLEx management expresses its strong support and willingness to take an active part,” the firm said.