Motorists traveling this Undas are advised to plan their trips early as Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) prepares for increased traffic across its expressways from October 29 to November 3, 2026.
Through its “Biyaheng Arangkada” program, MPTC will deploy additional personnel and provide roadside assistance to help manage the expected surge in motorists on NLEX, SCTEX, NLEX Connector, CAVITEX, CALAX, and CCLEX in Cebu.
Traffic volume across MPTC’s expressways is projected to increase by around 5%, with a 12% increase expected during the peak travel days of October 30 and 31.
Outbound traffic on NLEX and SCTEX is expected to peak from Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon, while return traffic is expected from late afternoon on November 2 until the early morning of November 3. CAVITEX and CALAX are also expected to experience heavy traffic on the afternoon of October 30 and the morning of November 3.
To prepare for the holiday rush, MPTC will mobilize around 2,000 personnel from its traffic, toll, security, incident response, technology, and support teams. These teams will work around the clock in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), local government units, and other government agencies.
Roadworks, lane closures, and maintenance activities will also be suspended from October 29 to November 3, except for emergency safety repairs, to help keep traffic moving.
Roadside assistance for motorists
Motorists can expect 24/7 customer assistance through the hotline 1-35000 and the MPT DriveHub app. Medical teams will also be on standby at designated locations, while free basic mechanical services will be available at select NLEX and SCTEX rest areas and CAVITEX and CALAX toll plazas.
Free towing to the nearest exit will be provided for Class 1 vehicles, including Class 1M vehicles on CCLEX, from 6 a.m. on October 30 to 6 a.m. on November 3.
Other available services include EV charging stations and free Wi-Fi at select NLEX rest areas, as well as free bottled water at roadside assistance stations.
Plan ahead for safer travel
MPTC encourages motorists to check their routes before leaving and consider alternative access roads to avoid traffic congestion.
NLEX Connector provides another route between western Metro Manila and destinations in Northern and Central Luzon. Motorists from eastern Metro Manila can also access the NLEX mainline through Mindanao Avenue.
In the south, CAVITEX C5 Link connects C5 Road in Taguig to CAVITEX, providing access to Parañaque, Las Piñas, Bacoor, and Kawit. CALAX, meanwhile, connects Cavite and Laguna, with its operational stretch running from Mamplasan in Biñan, Laguna, to Governor’s Drive in General Trias, Cavite.
Before traveling, motorists are advised to check their RFID accounts and ensure sufficient load to avoid delays at toll plazas. Reloading is available through the MPT DriveHub app, e-wallets, online payment platforms, and customer service centers along the expressways.
Drivers are also reminded to follow speed limits, observe traffic rules, take breaks when needed, and check official expressway social media pages and the MPT DriveHub app for traffic updates and advisories.
More routes in the pipeline
MPTC continues to expand its expressway network to provide motorists with more travel options.
The upcoming opening of NLEX-C5 Northlink Segment 8.2 Section 1A, connecting the NLEX Mindanao Toll Plaza to Quirino Highway, is expected to provide an additional access route to NLEX.
Meanwhile, the full alignment of CALAX is nearing completion, while the planned CAVITEX-CALAX Link (CCLink) will directly connect the two expressways.
These projects are expected to improve connectivity and support smoother travel across Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
With increased personnel, roadside assistance, and traffic management measures in place, MPTC reminds motorists that preparation remains key to a safer and more convenient Undas journey.
