Planning a trip for the Holy Week? The Holy Week long weekend in the Philippines is eagerly awaited each year. It’s a time when many people travel out of town to reflect, unwind, and reunite with family and friends. Last year, NLEX experienced a 10% to 15% increase in traffic volume, which we can expect again this year.
As the long weekend approaches, it’s crucial to be prepared for the road with the anticipated surge of motorists on highways and expressways.
Discover how you can ensure a safe, efficient, and hassle-free driving experience with these five travel hacks curated by MPT Mobility.
- Pre-plan your travel essentials.
Before hitting the road, ensure you’ve prepared everything you’ll need! In addition to clothes and snacks, pack a first aid or medicine kit. Long drives can be stressful and monotonous, so create a road trip playlist in advance to keep you energized. For those traveling through NLEX, SCTEX, NLEX Connector, CAVITEX, C5 Link Flyover, CALAX, and CCLEX, acquire an Easytrip RFID or CCLEX RFID for seamless drives. Also, download the MPT DriveHub app for smoother journeys, while NLEX Drive & Dine offers a welcome respite during your travels.
- Get an RFID sticker for seamless tollway drives.
With the shift to cashless toll collections on expressways, having a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag on your vehicle allows you to bypass cash lanes, ensuring convenient entry and exit at toll plazas.
Easytrip RFID and CCLEX RFID are essential for effortless toll payments and quicker travel on expressways. Install them on your vehicle to access RFID lanes on NLEX, SCTEX, NLEX Connector, CAVITEX, C5 Link Flyover, CALAX, and CCLEX. If you don’t have an Easytrip RFID yet, visit any Easytrip station for installation. For CCLEX RFID, head to any CCLEX customer service center near the toll plaza. Once you have an account, you can conveniently reload it for your daily travels.
- Download a travel companion app for your driving needs.
Another handy hack for faster and smoother travels is using an app that caters to your driving requirements. MPT DriveHub app serves as your ultimate travel companion, especially if you have an Easytrip or CCLEX RFID account. It offers convenient balance checking and reloading options for your RFID accounts, with minimal transaction fees and various payment methods available. Additionally, the app provides expressway traffic updates, ensuring you stay informed and save time during your travels. Plus, its roadside assistance feature offers help in emergencies such as flat tires or dead batteries.
- Take breaks to recharge.
Making stopovers is essential during long journeys. NLEX Drive & Dine, located Manila-bound on NLEX, offers more than just refueling opportunities—it boasts various dining, shopping, and relaxation options. Indulge in a variety of cuisines, shop at premium retail stores, and take advantage of the amenities, including ample parking, clean restrooms, free WiFi, and comfortable seating areas. It’s the perfect place to refuel and rejuvenate during your trip.
- Condition your car for long-distance driving.
Preparing for travel involves more than just fueling up—it also entails ensuring your vehicle is in optimal condition. Alongside the usual maintenance checklist, schedule a Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS) before embarking on your journey. Additionally, equip your vehicle with a spare tire and automotive tool kit for any necessary repairs along the way.
Driving during the long weekend is not just about reaching your destination—it’s also a journey of reflection and connection during the Holy Week. With MPT Mobility’s mobility solutions, you can make the Holy Week long weekend memorable, starting with your travel experience.
