TPLEx: Heavy traffic this weekend as Pinoys head back to Manila from north

The Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx) management on Wednesday said motorists should prepare for heavy traffic on January 3 and 4, 2015 as Filipinos coming from North Luzon provinces are expected to travel back to Manila after the holidays.

 

"For several days beginning December 26, TPLEx operators observed a sharp spike in traffic volume, recording about 25,000 vehicles per day, or almost three times its usual daily traffic."

 

The 14-km long second section of the 88-km TPLEx is opened toll free to motorists from Dec. 20 to Jan. 20, 2015 to help ease the holiday traffic.

 

"TPLEx’s Traffic Management Group deployed more than twice as many ambulant tellers and security personnel, to help manage traffic flow and provide assistance to motorists," it said.

 

TPLEx said it supports the proposed integration of systems for toll ways.

 

"While this involves extensive technical study involving all the companies managing the toll roads, TPLEx management expressed its strong support and willingness to take active part," it said.

 

Senate President Franklin Drilon on Sunday said he will file a resolution calling for a probe on why toll way ticketing systems vary. His recent trip to Baguio City was spoiled by traffic jams near toll way booths he passed through.

 

TPLEx and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway earlier this year entered into an agreement that transferred the operations of the SCTEX Tarlac northbound toll plaza to the TPLEx entry plaza.

 

"Under this arrangement, the SCTEX has access to 10 lanes at the TPLEx entry point to collect toll, compared to only four or five lanes at its previous toll plaza," it said. – Kathryn Mae P. Tubadeza/VS, GMA News