'Undas' preparations underway

Local

AS Filipinos prepare to head home for 'Undas', expressways and bus terminals across the country are ramping up operations to manage the heavy flow of travelers expected this week.

The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) is implementing full-scale operations under Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation’s (MPTC) “Biyaheng Arangkada” Motorists Assistance Program to ensure safe and efficient travel during the holiday rush.

The toll bridge will offer free towing for Class 1 and Class 1M vehicles from 6:00 a.m. of October 30 until 6:00 a.m. of November 3. MPTC has also suspended all roadworks, except for emergency repairs, to maintain smooth traffic flow.

CCLEX joins MPTC’s other expressways, including NLEX, SCTEX, NLEX Connector, CALAX, and CAVITE, in activating enhanced Undas operations.

MPTC has deployed around 2,000 traffic, toll, and emergency personnel across its network to provide 24/7 monitoring, motorist assistance, and quick-response support in coordination with the PNP, LGUs, and other partner agencies.

MPTC urged motorists to plan their trips carefully and avoid peak hours, particularly during the afternoons of October 29 and 30, the evening of October 31, the morning of November 1, the afternoon of November 2, and from morning until noon of November 3.

It also reminded drivers to inspect their vehicles and ensure their RFID accounts have enough balance before traveling.

Meanwhile, the Cebu Provincial Government is opening temporary satellite bus terminals in Cebu City on October 30 and 31 as part of “Oplan Kalag-Kalag 2025” to ease congestion at the Cebu North Bus Terminal and Cebu South Bus Terminal.

Bus Terminal Administrator Ahmed Cuizon said north-bound passengers can use the Ceres Transport garage at the Mandaue Reclamation Area beside S&R, while south-bound travelers can board buses at the Ceres garage in Kinasang-an, Pardo.

“On October 30 and 31, we urge the people to take advantage of these satellite terminals if they are near your area. That way, ma-lessen natin ang crowd sa main terminals,” Cuizon said.

He explained that passenger congestion has long been a problem at CNBT and CSBT during Undas.

To prevent traffic buildup, loading and unloading will take place inside the satellite terminals in compliance with local traffic rules and regulations.

Additionally, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved special permits for 847 additional public utility buses nationwide to serve the Undas rush.

LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II said the permits cover 124 routes across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, mostly connecting Metro Manila with provincial destinations.

He reminded bus companies that the approval of special permits carries an obligation to keep their vehicles roadworthy and their drivers and conductors physically and mentally fit.

He also ordered all regional directors to inspect terminals and transport hubs to maintain passenger comfort and safety.(MyTVCebu)