Heavier traffic at NLEX, influx of passengers at seaports expected Oct. 30-31

The traffic on North Luzon Expressway is expected to get heavier on Thursday or Friday due to the influx of travelers during the Undas season. 

“Sa ngayon, wala pa naman po tayong namo-monitor na pagdagsa ng ating mga kababayang bibiyahe para dito sa Undas pero inaasaan po natin na baka mamayang hapon, kung meron na pong maagang bibiyahe,” NLEX assistant vice president for traffic operations Robin Ignacio told GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita in an interview. 

(Right now, we have not monitored an influx of travelers for Undas but we are expecting it to happen later in the afternoon.)

“Ang dagsaan po ay inaasahan natin bukas ng hapon hanggang gabi, maging Friday po ng early morning hanggang hapon na po,” he added. 

(We expect the peak tomorrow afternoon until evening, and also Friday from early morning until afternoon.)

In light of the expected influx of motorists, Ignacio said more personnel have been deployed along the expressway. 

All lanes are now passable to motorists as road works and closures have been suspended in light of Undas. 

From October 30 to November 3, NLEX will offer free towing of stalled vehicles to the nearest exit from the expressway. 

Ignacio advised motorists to secure Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sticker for faster transaction at toll gates. 

Ambulances will be deployed in the area in case of an emergency. 

Seaports

Meanwhile, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said the influx of passengers are also expected on Thursday or Friday. 

“Ang inaasahan po natin Thursday at Friday 'yung pinaka-peak ng mga pasahero dahil ngayon po, may mga pasok pa karamihan. So pagdating po nyan after work, dire-diretso ma po sa pantalan,” PPA spokesperson Eunice Samonte told Unang Balita in a separate interview. 

(We expect Thursday and Friday to be the peak for passengers because now, most people are still at work. So when they leave from work, they will go straight to the port.)

She said the PPA is expecting 2.2 million passengers for the Undas period, higher the 1.9 million record last year. 

Among the factors that may increase the volume of passengers this year are the earlier break of classes and the Undas falling on Saturday, she said. The number of passengers was also lower last year because of the threat of Tropical Cyclone Kristine. 

So far, no trips have been fully booked yet, according to Samonte. 

More vessels will be deployed to accommodate the higher volume of passengers this Undas season. 

The days off of PPA personnel will be cancelled to ensure assistance to passengers. —AOL, GMA Integrated News