Leading expressway operators Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) and SMC Infrastructure are ramping up operations and implementing comprehensive motorist assistance measures from October 29 to November 3, 2026, in anticipation of a 5 percent to 10 percent surge in traffic volume during the Undas holidays.
Under MPTC’s ‘Biyaheng Arangkada’ program and SMC’s alignment with the Department of Tranportation’s ‘Oplan Biyaheng Ayos,’ both operators are coordinating closely with government agencies-including the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), National Police (PNP), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and local governments-to ensure safety, alleviate congestion, and maintain 24/7 traffic management across Luzon and Cebu.
Traffic is projected to rise overall, with peak travel days expected on October 30 and 31.
At MPTC Expressways (Nlex, Sctex, Nlex Connector, Cavitex, Calac, CCLex), Outbound traffic is expected to peak from Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon, while return traffic is projected from late afternoon on November 2 through early morning on November 3.
SMC expects its expressways (Slex, Skyway System, STAR Tollway, Naiax, TPLex) to have a 10 percent increase in traffic volume, with full staffing taking effect at 12:01 a.m. on October 29.
To clear the roads for holiday travelers:
MPTC will suspend non-emergency roadworks, lane closures, and maintenance from October 29 to November 3. Approximately 2,000 traffic, toll, security, technology, and incident response personnel will be deployed across its network.
SMC Infrastructure will suspend roadworks from noon on October 29 until 10:00 p.m. on November 3. Emergency assistance, quick-response teams, ambulances, tow trucks, and fire engines will be stationed 24/7 at strategic points, including Petron service stations.
Motorist Assistance and On-Road Services
24/7 Hotlines and Apps: Assistance is available via MPTC’s 1-35000 hotline and the MPT DriveHub app. SMC motorists can contact dedicated hotlines for Slex (0917-687-7539), STAR Tollway (0917-511-7827 / 043-756-7870), and TPLex (0917-888-0715).
Towing and Mechanical Services: MPTC is offering free towing to the nearest exit for Class 1 vehicles (including Class 1M on CCLex) from 6:00 a.m. on October 30 to 6:00 a.m. on November 3, along with free basic mechanical services at select stations. SMC will have standby quick-response teams for mechanical breakdowns such as overheating, flat tires, and dead batteries.
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi (via Smart), EV charging stations, and free bottled water (via Maynilad) will be available at select MPTC Rest and Refuel stations.
Travel Advisory and Alternate Routes
Both concessionaires encourage motorists to inspect their vehicles (tires, brakes, batteries, lights, and cooling systems) and ensure adequate rest before heading out.
RFID Readiness: Drivers should ensure sufficient balance on their Easytrip (MPTC) or Autosweep (SMC) accounts to prevent delays at toll plazas. Motorists traveling across multiple networks can enroll in the optional One RFID program.
Alternate Routes:
North: The Nlex Connector and Mindanao Avenue access points offer alternative routes between western/eastern Metro Manila and Central-Northern Luzon.
South: The Cavitex C5 Link connects Taguig to Cavitec, while Calax provides access between Mamplasan (Biñan, Laguna) and Governor’s Drive (General Trias, Cavite). Future expansions-such as the Nlex-C5 Northlink Segment 8.2 Section 1A and the Cavitex-Calax Link (CCLink)-will further improve regional mobility.