Philippine tollway operators prepare for Undas surge in vehicle traffic

The Philippines' two largest tollway operators are fortifying their operations ahead of the Undas holiday period, traditionally one of the busiest travel seasons on the country's expressway network. SMC Infrastructure, led by Ramon Ang, projects a 10 percent surge in vehicle traffic across its tollway system as Filipinos undertake the annual pilgrimage to honor their deceased relatives.

Metro Pacific Tollways, headed by Manuel Pangilinan, similarly anticipates heightened congestion during the Undas period on major expressways under its management. Both operators have indicated readiness to manage the expected volume through coordinated traffic management measures and enhanced toll collection operations.

The Undas season typically sees millions of Filipinos traveling to provincial cemeteries and memorial parks, creating sustained pressure on key expressways serving routes outside Metro Manila and other urban centers. The anticipated 10 percent increase in traffic volume underscores the scale of this annual phenomenon and the critical role expressways play in facilitating domestic travel during the period.

Tollway operators have historically implemented various measures during peak seasons, including additional toll lanes, streamlined collection processes, and coordinated traffic monitoring to facilitate smoother vehicle flow. The operators' advance preparation reflects lessons learned from previous Undas seasons and efforts to minimize travel disruptions during this culturally significant period for Filipino families.