Toll-free at South tollways on Christmas, New Year’s days

Motorists who will use the at-grade and elevated sections of the Skyway System, South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) and Star Tollway from 10 p.m. on Dec. 24 until 6 a.m. the following day and from 10 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 6 a.m. on Jan. 1 need not pay toll.

This was announced by the managements of Skyway O&M Corp. (Somco),  Manila Toll Expressway Systems Inc. (MATES) and Star Tollway Corp. (STC), the operators of the Skyway System, SLEx and Star Tollway, respectively.    This toll-free privilege is the tollway operators’  simple way of showing  appreciation to their motoring patrons who continue to use and patronize the Skyway System, SLEx and Star Tollway and of wishing them a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year as well.

Due to the usual, heavy holiday traffic, motorists are advised to plan their trips as the  tollway operators gear up for the influx of motorists traveling in and out of Metro Manila.  Increased traffic is expected from Dec. 20  to Jan. 4.  At SLEx, traffic build-up could occur on Dec. 21 (Saturday) at Susana Heights, Sta. Rosa, Eton and Calamba, southbound direction; and Carmona, Greenfields, Alabang/Filinvest, both northbound and southbound directions.   At Star Tollway,  heavy traffic is seen at the toll plazas in  Sto. Tomas, Lipa City and Batangas City.   Meanwhile,  big volumes of vehicles have already been traveling on the Skyway System since late last month, which is the case as the Christmas holiday approaches.

Motorists are  reminded to keep their vehicles roadworthy to ensure a trouble-free and safe trip.  Somco, MATES and STC  request motorists to strictly observe the tollway speed limit and other traffic and safety rules even during the toll-free hours.  For assistance, motorists may call the Skyway System hotline at 776-7777;   SLEx hotline at 0917-OUR-SLEX (687-7539) and (049) 508-7539; and Star emergency numbers at 0917-511-7827 and (043) 756-7870.