NLEX traffic exceeds daily average amid Holy Week exodus

The number of vehicles traversing the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) has exceeded its daily average as the Holy Week exodus has gotten underway. 

But in Mariz Umali’s report in “24 Oras” on Holy Wednesday, some are bound to the north for work. 

“Mahirap po ang buhay. Talo ka kapag bakasyon, gastos. Kailangan hanapbuhay talaga,” said motorist Rolando Cabilitazan. 

(Life is hard. You lose if you take a vacation—it's just an expense. You really have to keep working.) 

“Hindi deserve magbakasyon sa taas ng gasolina tsaka ng mga bilihan. Trabaho muna para sa pamilya,” said another driver, Mark Sibal. 

(With the high price of gasoline and basic goods, I don't feel I deserve a vacation. Work comes first for the family.) 

On the other hand, some people have decided to travel early for vacation to avoid heavy traffic and despite the high price of fuel. 

“Para mas hindi na sumabay sa ibang pauwi pa lang mamaya. Lalo na mahal yung gas, lalo kapag nadamay ka pa sa traffic, lalong mas hassle,” said vacation-bound Arnel Intal Jr. 

(I'm traveling now so I don't get caught up with the others heading home later. Especially since gas is expensive—it's even more of a hassle if you get stuck in traffic.) 

“Kahit mahal yung gasolina, okay lang. Para makapag-relax din kasi puro trabaho isang taon,” said holiday-goer Arturo Carbonel. 

(Even if gas is expensive, it’s okay. I need to relax because it’s been all work for a whole year.) 

NLEX management said the total volume of vehicles on Holy Wednesday is lower compared to the same day last year. However, compared to a typical day, the volume has increased, reaching 4,300 vehicles per hour—notably higher than the daily average of over 3,000.

With the high volume of motorists, NLEX opened a counterflow lane. 

“Around 1 p.m. tumaas na po yung volume natin. Kinakailangan namin mag-implement agad ng counterflow from Balintawak to Marilao area para hindi na po mag-build up,” said NLEX AVP for Traffic Operations Robin Ignacio. 

(Around 1 p.m., our volume increased. We needed to immediately implement a counterflow from Balintawak to the Marilao area so traffic wouldn't build up.) 

Further, the NLEX management also opened seven lanes for cash toll payments. There were also designated charging stations for electric vehicles. NLEX also offered free towing for motorists. 

Trucks and public vehicles are also entitled to toll rebates in NLEX. Ignacio said the offer will be available until May 22. 

NLEX also advised motorists to always check their vehicle’s battery, lights, oil, water, brake, air, gas, engine, tools, and even themselves. 

“Sana yung magda-drive ay may sapat na pahinga, nasa tamang kondisyon,” said Ignacio. 

(I hope those who are driving have had enough rest and are in the right physical and mental condition.) —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA News