San Miguel Corporation waived toll fees across its expressway network on New Year’s Eve, keeping up a long-running year-end practice aimed at easing late-night holiday travel.

The toll waiver applied to all SMC-operated expressways, including the Skyway System, NAIA Expressway, South Luzon Expressway, STAR Tollway, and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway.

Tolls were suspended from 10 p.m. on 31 December until 6 a.m. on 1 January 2026. The overnight window covered motorists traveling into the new year, many of them timing their trips to avoid heavier daytime traffic.

SMC said the toll-free period was meant to help drivers reach their destinations more smoothly during one of the busiest travel nights of the year. 

The waiver has become a familiar part of New Year’s plans, especially for those heading out late or returning home after celebrations.

From 20 December, emergency response units were positioned on standby to deal with accidents, stalled vehicles, or other road incidents. Traffic monitoring centers remained operational around the clock to track road conditions and coordinate responses in real time.

To help manage traffic flow, roadworks that could affect mobility were suspended from 20 December until 4 January 2026. Tow trucks and emergency vehicles were stationed at strategic points to shorten response times and clear obstructions quickly.

SMC Infrastructure also reminded motorists to plan their trips ahead, allow extra travel time, and make sure their Autosweep accounts had enough balance to avoid delays at toll plazas once regular toll collection resumed.

The company said it worked with local government units and national agencies to help manage traffic on public roads connected to the expressways, particularly near entry and exit points.