MPTC anticipates 5% traffic increase during ‘Undas’ 2026

MANILA: Traffic volume across expressways is expected to increase by at least five percent during this year’s Undas holiday.

According to separate statements, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) expects traffic volume to increase by at least five percent, with vehicle movement potentially rising by up to 12 percent on October 30–31. Meanwhile, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Infrastructure is preparing for a 10-percent increase in traffic volume.

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Here are the measures both tollway operators will implement in preparation for the holiday rush.

MPTC

In a statement, the Manuel Pangilinan-led firm said outbound traffic along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) is expected to peak from Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon. Return trips are likely to surge from late afternoon on November 2 through the early morning of November 3.

Meanwhile, heavy congestion is anticipated on the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) and Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) on the afternoon of October 30 and the morning of November 3.

In anticipation of the seasonal surge, MPTC is urging travelers to plan their journeys accordingly.

To assist motorists, the company will roll out its “Biyaheng Arangkada” initiative from October 29 to November 3, 2026.

The campaign, which focuses on traffic management, road safety, and travel assistance, will also cover the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).

On SCTEX, the initiative will be conducted in partnership with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). On CAVITEX, MPTC will team up with the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) through PEA Tollway Corporation (PEATC).

To ensure smooth operations, the company will deploy around 2,000 personnel across its network. They will coordinate with the Philippine National Police, local government units, and other government agencies throughout the period.

Roadworks, lane closures, and maintenance activities will also be suspended from October 29 to November 3, except for emergency safety repairs. Operations teams and marshals will monitor road conditions and implement appropriate measures when necessary.

Services available under the “Biyaheng Arangkada” initiative include:

• 24/7 customer assistance through the hotline at 1-35000 and the MPT DriveHub app.
• Medical assistance from standby teams stationed at designated locations.
• Free towing to the nearest exit for Class 1 vehicles, including Class 1M vehicles on CCLEX, from 6 a.m. on October 30 to 6 a.m. on November 3.
• Round-the-clock basic mechanical assistance at select NLEX Rest and Refuel stations and toll plazas along CAVITEX and CALAX.
• EV charging facilities at designated NLEX Rest and Refuel stations.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi at select NLEX Rest and Refuel stations, in partnership with Smart.
• Free bottled water at roadside assistance stations, courtesy of Maynilad.

SMC Infrastructure

Meanwhile, the Ramon Ang-led firm is coordinating with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and local government units to manage congestion, particularly on roads leading to and from expressway entry and exit points.

To ensure adequate staffing, full personnel deployment will begin at 12:01 a.m. on October 29. Quick-response teams, ambulances, tow trucks, and fire engines will be stationed at strategic locations along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Skyway System, STAR Tollway, NAIA Expressway, and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).

The company’s traffic monitoring centers and emergency assistance desks will operate around the clock. Meanwhile, roadworks will be suspended from noon on October 29 until 10 p.m. on November 3 to minimize disruptions during peak travel periods.

For emergencies and roadside assistance, motorists may contact the following hotlines:

• SLEX: 0917-687-7539
• STAR Tollway: 0917-511-7827 / (043) 756-7870
• TPLEX: 0917-888-0715
• Skyway: (02) 5318-8655

Both tollway operators are encouraging motorists to plan their trips in advance and consider alternative routes to avoid congestion.

Also read:

Traffic management plans for Undas 2026, 49th ASEAN Summit set

LTFRB approves more than 1k special bus permits for Undas

MPTC expects expressway user surge this Holy Week amid fuel crisis

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