MANILA โ The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has secured a toll waiver for vehicles traveling between Pulilan, Bulacan, and San Fernando, Pampanga starting Wednesday as heavy traffic continues to affect portions of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) due to flooding at Tulaoc Bridge in San Simon, Pampanga.
In a statement, Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez said he personally coordinated with NLEX Corporation President Luis Reรฑon to waive toll fees for all vehicle classes using the Pulilan-San Fernando route and vice versa.
“Nakausap ko po sina NLEX President Luis Reรฑon para matulungan ang ating mga motorista at mga pasahero na labis na naapektuhan nitong matinding traffic, alinsunod sa utos ng ating Pangulo (I spoke with NLEX President Luis Reรฑon to help our motorists and passengers who have been severely affected by the heavy traffic, in line with the President’s directive),” he said.
Lopez thanked the toll operator for immediately acting on the request, saying the waiver will remain in effect until traffic conditions along NLEX return to normal.
The regular toll for Class 1 vehicles traveling from Pulilan to San Fernando is PHP113, while Class 2 vehicles pay PHP281 and Class 3 vehicles PHP338.
Lopez also thanked toll operators that continue to provide free toll passage to provincial buses and vehicles transporting agricultural products under the government’s UPLIFT initiatives.
Flood warnings
In a separate statement, the DOTr, through the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), directed NLEX Corporation to implement a faster and more efficient warning system for motorists during heavy rains and flooding.
Under the directive, the toll operator must issue advisories through direct SMS or text messages and other accessible platforms, while providing rerouting options through variable message signs (VMS) and portable VMS at least three hours before expected rainfall and traffic closures.
Lopez said timely advisories would help motorists avoid flood-related congestion and identify alternative routes.
“Dapat proactive ang mga toll operator natin. I-anticipate na kung saan ‘yung mga babantayang lugar lalo na pag may paparating na malakas na ulan, para malaman agad ng mga motorista kung saan ‘yung mga bahagi ng expressway na may baha o mahirap daanan at maiwasan (Our toll operators should be proactive. They should anticipate which areas to watch, especially when heavy rain is approaching, so motorists will immediately know which parts of the expressway are flooded or difficult to pass and avoid them),” he said.
The TRB also issued a Notice to Explain (NTE) to NLEX Corporation dated Aug. 31, directing the operator to explain within three days the traffic congestion caused by the flooding, including measures it plans to undertake to mitigate the impact and prevent similar incidents.
In a separate letter, NLEX Corporation was directed to consider reimbursing toll fees paid by Class 1 motorists who were compelled to make a U-turn along the expressway because of the flooding.
Lopez earlier instructed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to deploy additional personnel in San Simon to support efforts to mitigate flooding in the area.
The DOTr is also coordinating with the TRB, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on additional measures, including sandbagging, continuous pumping of floodwater, installation of flood barriers, and diversion of vehicles to alternative routes. (PNA)