This statement comes after both operators have pledged to waive fees on certain sections during the major road construction.
In a statement on Thursday, May 28, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) extended its gratitude to privately-held firms, San Miguel Corp. Tollways and Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), for “lending a helping hand.”
This, as both operators have offered to implement a toll holiday on the their respective tollways, Skyway Stage 3 and NLEX Connector, for the entire duration of the EDSA rebuild.
Both highways have been touted as the alternate routes for motorists affected of the road rehabilitation program.
“Nais nating magpasalamat sa SMC at MPTC sa pangunguna nina Mr. Ramon S. Ang at Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan dahil handa silang isantabi ang arawang kita mula sa toll upang matulungan ang pamahalaan at ating mga kababayan,” the DOTr said in its statement.
It added, “President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants to ease the burden of the EDSA rebuild to commuters and motorists, and this deep sense of social responsibility to the nation and Filipinos from our private partners will at least alleviate the expected struggles brought by the rebuild.”
The two-year EDSA Rebuild is under President Marcos’ ‘Build Better More’ banner.
Repair and upgrading works will be segmentized and done per lane, with each portion expected to be completed every two months. The road works will start on the bus lane or innermost lane in both directions until reaching the outer lanes.
The stretch of Pasay to Shaw Boulevard (both NB and SB) will be prioritized, according to an earlier advisory shared by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Aside from Skyway Stage 3 and NLEX Connector, more alternate routes, including the Mabuhay Lanes, are now in the process of being cleared in anticipation of higher traffic usage during the construction.