Road users get Christmas gift from SMC

THREE toll roads controlled by San Miguel Corp. serving southern Metro Manila and nearby provinces said no toll fee will be charged at certain times through the end of 2015 in line with the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, a statement showed.

Specifically, the Skyway, South Luzon Expressway and Star Tollway will not collect any toll fees from 10 p.m. on Dec. 24, 2015 until 6 a.m. on Dec. 25. The expressways will also not charge toll fees from 10:00 p.m. on Dec. 31 until 6:00 a.m. on Jan. 1. 2016.

The managements of Skyway O&M Corp. (Somco), Manila Toll Expressway Systems Inc. (Mates), and Star Tollway Corp. (STC), the respective operators of the Skyway System, SLEX and Star Tollway, announced that this toll-free privilege was to thank patrons of the toll roads.

Meanwhile, motorists were advised to plan their trips given the usual road congestion expected during the period.

Increased traffic began on Dec. 19, when most schools closed for Christmas vacation, and is expected to continue until Jan. 4, 2016.

At SLEX, traffic buildup could occur on Susana Heights, Sta. Rosa, Eton and Calamba, southbound direction; and Carmona, Greenfields, Alabang/Filinvest, both north- and southbound directions.

At the Star Tollway, heavy traffic is seen on toll plazas in Sto. Tomas, Lipa City and Batangas City.

The toll road group recorded a “large volume of vehicles” traveling on the Skyway System since last month.

“Motorists are also reminded to keep their vehicles roadworthy to ensure a trouble-free and safe trip. Somco, Mates and STC request motorists to strictly observe the tollway speed limit and other traffic and safety rules even during the toll-free hours,” the statement showed. Miguel R. Camus