00:00Meanwhile, more risks flock to RFID installation sites as Analex braces for the holiday rush with added manpower, suspended road repairs, and possible counterflow lanes.
00:11Operators vow smoother travel as thousands are expected to hit the road starting Thursday.
00:16Arnoel Talacay tells us more.
00:18Edward Ponsal was patiently waiting outside the RFID installation site at the Balintawactal Plaza northbound today.
00:28During long weekends, he says that he usually has to drive early in the morning to avoid heavy traffic in the afternoon as the motorists start to travel to go on a long vacation.
00:41Siyempre sir, hindi ka nahihinto o hindi ka na mag-o-open ang window. Seconds lang nakapastro ka na sa mga toll gate.
00:49With this situation, he says that he now appreciate having RFID installed in his car but for now, since it's already in the afternoon, a day before the long weekend kicks in, he says that he has no choice but to deal with the traffic.
01:05Probably pagkaganyan at maraming kasabay, madaling araw umaalis mas maaga para iwas po sa traffic.
01:13But at 7 o'clock tonight, there was an approximate 150 meters vehicle queue at the RFID lanes at the Balintawactal Plaza.
01:22Traffic also started to build up at the Mindanao exit where the vehicle line was 2.4 kilometers long.
01:30This afternoon, the management of North Luzon Expressway or NLEX, through its social media, released an advisory reminding the motorists what to do before traveling this long weekend.
01:42It also posted about the NLEX-ACETEX EasyTrip installation site.
01:48Robin Ignacio, NLEX Corporation Assistant Vice President, said that NLEX has already prepared for the long weekend by adding 60% more from its usual number of personnel so that emergencies along NLEX can be easily responded to.
02:05NLEX is also ready to provide a counterflow lane if necessary.
02:10He also said that no road repair to be done along NLEX within the duration of long weekend.
02:29However, enhancement works for RFID readers will continue but Ignacio stressed that it will not affect significantly the flow of the traffic.
02:39The long weekend will start tomorrow due to the declaration of a special non-working holiday for Ninoy Aquino Day.
03:01August 25 Monday, on the other hand, was declared a regular holiday as part of the observance of National Heroes Day.
03:10The North Luzon Expressway Management once again reminds the motorists to check their vehicles before traveling.
03:18Do not forget the acronym BLOW BAGUETS.
03:21Checking these items before hitting the road will help prevent or avoid accidents or other any related car accidents.
03:33Noel Talakay from the National TV Network for new and better Philippines.
