By now, you may have already heard or seen reports about what happened to motorists on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). The traffic buildup caused by flooding in San Simon, Pampanga, was so severe that some motorists joked they entered the expressway in August and were still there when September came.

Now, following pressure from the public and the government, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that NLEX Corporation will implement free toll passage for motorists affected by the situation.

There’s a catch, though.

AutoIndustriya’s very own Vince Pornelos, spending the long weekend on NLEX

The “free toll” will only apply to motorists entering NLEX at Pulilan, Bulacan, and exiting at San Fernando, Pampanga, and vice versa. The arrangement starts today, September 2, 2026, and will remain in effect until further notice.

As you may have noticed, the flooded San Simon area sits right in the middle of this route and is also the main cause of the massive traffic buildup.

“Nakausap ko po sina NLEX President Luis Reñon para matulungan ang ating mga motorista at mga pasahero na labis na naapektuhan nitong matinding traffic, alinsunod sa utos ng ating Pangulo. Nagpapasalamat po tayo dahil agad din po silang tumugon sa ating hiling na magpatupad ng libreng toll hanggang sa maging maayos ang sitwasyon ng trapiko,” said DOTr Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez.

(I spoke with NLEX President Luis Reñon to help our motorists and passengers who were heavily affected by this severe traffic, in accordance with the President's order. We are grateful because they immediately responded to our request to implement a free toll until the traffic situation improves.)

According to the DOTr, Class 1 motorists will save PHP 113, while Class 2 and Class 3 motorists will save PHP 281 and PHP 338, respectively.

‘Text blast’ motorists before flooding

Meanwhile, the DOTr, through the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), has directed NLEX Corporation to improve its warning system to help motorists avoid travel delays caused by flooding in San Simon, Pampanga.

The directive includes sending direct SMS alerts or “text blasts,” along with using other accessible platforms, to warn motorists about heavy rain and possible flooding in the area.

The DOTr said these warnings should be issued at least three hours before expected heavy rainfall that could result in flooding. The alerts should also provide motorists with appropriate rerouting options.

The toll operator was likewise directed to consider reimbursing toll fees for Class 1 vehicles that are forced to make a U-turn on the expressway to avoid the flooded section.

NLEX Corporation has yet to issue a statement, as of this writing.