If you have travel plans for this upcoming long weekend, or on your way back home after your final break for 2020, PLUS has some tips on the best times to start so you get a smooth journey. Its Travel Time Advisory (TTA), based on data from other festive periods, focuses on traffic distribution and is aimed at reducing traffic congestion on the highway, most notably at major stretches, toll plazas and rest areas (R&Rs).
Motorists from the Klang Valley heading towards destinations in states further to the north and south are advised to enter the North-South Expressway (NSE) before 9 am. However, if they are heading to destinations closer to the Klang Valley, they can enter the highway after 12 noon.
For motorists who are travelling towards the Klang Valley from the north or south using the NSE, it is best to enter the highway before 9 am. If you are travelling to the East Coast, Melaka or Negeri Sembilan, the TTA recommends entering the highway after 12 noon over the coming days.
30% more traffic on highways
“PLUS expects an increase up to 30% in traffic volume, or 1.7 million vehicles, on every peak day as compared to 1.3 million vehicles on normal days to utilize all PLUS-operated highways in conjunction with the Christmas and New Year festive season,” said Datuk Azman Ismail, Managing Director of PLUS.
“We therefore strongly encourage the public to closely follow the TTA schedule as they stand a better chance of experiencing a smoother journey as well as to avoid congestion,” he advised.
The latest traffic updates on the highways from the PLUS app, PLUSTrafik Twitter, PUTRI chatbot (a real-time customer texting interface), highway electronic message boards and the toll-free PLUSLine 1800 88 0000.
Mobile route navigation apps such as Waze and Google Maps also provide useful traffic information and can be used to plan routes. Additionally, the public can view traffic conditions (in almost real-time) at many sections along the various highways at the Jalanow website.
As always, remember to have sufficient balance in your Touch’NGo tollcard or e-Wallet. While it is a good idea to reload before starting your journey, you can also do so along the way at many R&R locations as well as petrol stations – but remember to do it before you reach the exit toll plaza! There are over 13,000 locations nationwide to reload the card.
Remember the SOPs!
During festive seasons, the R&R areas have always been very crowded and while less people will be travelling this year (some may prefer to reduce the risk of being infected), there are still likely to be many people stopping. Do remember to practice social distancing and be at least 1 metre apart, do not gather in groups and wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer. As the R&R is a public area, you will need to have a face mask on unless you are eating or drinking.
PLUS encourages using the Pre-Order service available on the PLUS Apps for take-away meals at its R&Rs. This will help in reducing crowds seated at tables and minimise exposure time too.
PLUSRonda will come to the rescue
Finally, be sure your vehicle is in good condition. Check the tyre pressures, lights, wipers and signals. If you do have a breakdown on the highway, there are usually emergency phones by the side or you can call 1800-88-0000 to get assistance from PLUSRONDA. Be sure to park your vehicle as far off the highway as possible, and ensure that small children either remain in the car or if they get down, are far off the highway and emergency lanes.
Have a safe journey!
