MANILA — The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) is expecting an increase in vehicular traffic along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) starting Saturday as Filipinos begin their holiday travel.

In a “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon” interview over PTV on Friday, TRB Spokesperson Julius Corpuz said peak travel seasons such as Christmas and New Year generally see a five to 10 percent rise in traffic.

“Marami na po sa ating mga paaralan ang nagsara na, last day na po today at marami na rin sa ating mga kababayan ang nag-leave na yata, bakasyon para sa pagdiriwang nitong Kapaskuhan at Bagong Taon (Many schools are already on break, it’s their last day today, and many workers are already on leave for the Christmas and New Year holidays),” Corpuz said.

To ensure smooth traffic flow, all toll lanes have been opened, with full deployment of security personnel, patrol vehicles, and traffic management staff. Incident response teams including ambulances, medical personnel, tow trucks, and fire trucks will also be prepositioned along key areas.

“Mayroon din pong mga technicians na naka-standby diyan kung sakaling magkaaberya man ang mga sistema or equipment na ginagamit ng ating mga toll operators (We also have technicians who are on standby in case any system or equipment used by our toll operators are damaged),” Corpuz said.

Traffic management measures such as counter-flow schemes and barriers at toll gates will be implemented in case of heavy congestion. Construction work that may impede traffic will be suspended, while non-obstructive projects like expressway expansion will continue.

Motorists are also reminded to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy using the BLOWBAGETS checklist: Battery, Lights, Oil, Water, Brake, Air, Gas, Engine, Tire, and Self.

(PNA)