Skyway reopens next month to public utility buses, closed van delivery trucks

Public utility buses and closed van delivery trucks will be permitted to use the elevated Skyway again starting April 1, diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corporation announced Monday.

SMC subsidiary Skyway O&M Corporation (SOMCO) said all Class 2 vehicles will be allowed on the entire elevated Skyway system made up of Skyway 1, Skyway 2, and Skyway 3 as major construction works have been completed.

Class 2 vehicles — vehicles exceeding 7 feet in height and with valid Autosweep RFID stickers — were temporarily barred from using the Skyway due to the construction of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) in Muntinlupa.

The Skyway Stage 1 connects Buendia to Bicutan, the Stage 2 from Bicutan to Alabang, and the Stage 3 from Balintawak to Buendia.

Dedicated lanes for Class 2 vehicles are provided along Quezon Avenue, the Main Plaza of the Sucat Area, the Quirino Exit, Dr. A Santos, Doña Soledad, Buendia, Del Monte, G. Araneta northbound entry, Nagtahan, and NAIA Expressway.

“With the reopening of the Skyway to public buses and select transport trucks, we’re hopeful that many of our countrymen from both north and south can benefit from the convenience provided by the entire Skyway system,” SMC President Ramon Ang said in an emailed statement.

“This is an option for commuters as well as public transport services, who would like to have a faster, more direct, or even point-to-point access to their destinations. This will also help to further decongest our public roads, given that we are now back to pre-pandemic levels of traffic,” he continued.

SMC noted, however, that modified four- or six-wheeler and closed delivery vans are not allowed on the elevated ramps for safety reasons, with a 60-kilometer-per-hour speed strictly enforced.

It also noted that vehicles should ensure that their Autosweep RFID has enough balance as those with insufficient load will be asked to use the at-grade section.

The 18-kilometer Skyway Stage 3 Elevated Expressway was officially opened to motorists in January 2021.

SMC’s businesses are involved in fuel and oil, energy, infrastructure, and real estate through its subsidiaries San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc., Ginebra San Miguel Inc., SMC Global Power Holdings Corp., SEA Refinery Corporation, San Miguel Holdings Corp., and San Miguel Properties Inc.

Shares in SMC closed Monday at P108.30 apiece, up by 20 centavos or 0.19% from last Friday’s finish of P108.10. — RSJ, GMA News