SOMCO to implement truck ban on Skyway elevated section starting Nov. 15

Trucks plying the elevated section of Skyway will be banned starting November 15 to address safety concerns and improve traffic flow within the Skyway System and the NAIA Expressway.

In a statement released Monday, Skyway operator Skyway O&M (SOMCO) said overloaded trucks or those modified to carry heavier loads pose risks for motorists in the Skyway elevated section.

SOMCO said it discussed the proposal with barangay officials, local police, highway patrol units, and mall owners during a recent traffic meeting.

“Together with SOMCO, we agreed to implement tighter restrictions as far as road safety is concerned. The welfare of the motorists and passengers should always be our priority,” Senior Supt. Leopoldo Vitug Jr. of the Skyway, South Luzon Expressway Police said.

Trucks, PUVs required to use RFIDs

Meanwhile, SOMCO said trucks and public unility vehicles will also be required by November 15 to use radio frequency identification stickers for faster payments at toll gates.

"The RFID toll collection system, a cashless transaction already in place and used by mostly private vehicles, could greatly increase throughput time for trucks and PUVs at toll plazas."

The Skyway operator said various stakeholders agreed to the proposal since it helps reduce congestion during peak hours and lessens the time collecting cards, preparing and paying toll, and counting their change. 

The RFID stickers will be given to motorists for free and will only require an initial load of P500 for class 1 vehicles and P1,000 for class 2 vehicles.

SOMCO noted the rise in daily average number of vehicles using the Skyway system to 200,000 in 2016 from 180,000 in 2015.

SOMCO also identified 128 "traffic conflicts" in the Bicutan interchange and 80 in Sucat, Parañaque. 

Other proposals discussed during the traffic meeting include the removal of illegal terminals, transfer of PUV parking areas, improved coordination with utility companies, opening of alternate routes in subdivisions, and clearing the streets of vendors. — Joseph Tristan Roxas/RSJ, GMA News