MMS Adds Service Booths at Tangerang-Cilegon-Merak Toll Gates

PT Marga Mandalasakti (MMS), operator of the Tangerang-Merak toll road (Tamer), is increasing transaction service units at toll gates in Cikupa Tangerang, Cilegon, and Merak to accommodate the surge in vehicles during the 2026 Eid exodus peak.

“We are adding tandem booths and mobile readers, with focus on three toll gates: Cikupa, Cilegon Timur, and Merak,” said Uswatun Hasanah, Head of CSR Management and Public Relations Department of Astra Toll Tangerang-Merak at MMS, in Tangerang on Wednesday.

According to her, traffic volume increases have been visible since 11 to 17 March, and to anticipate congestion, the company has undertaken several facility expansions and additional service personnel. The primary focus of these facility improvements is to enhance transaction services in anticipation of vehicle queuing during the Eid exodus.

She stated that the addition of service booths and mobile readers is implemented under specific conditions whilst optimising the capacity of each existing toll gate. “These are mobile units deployed during specific circumstances. For the gates themselves, we optimise the existing number of gates,” she explained.

In addition to transaction service enhancements, MMS will increase traffic patrol and health services. “We are also deploying drainage personnel and road patching crews in case there are potential pavement damages. This serves to safeguard road users,” she said.

In preparation, the Tangerang-Merak toll road operator has recorded traffic volume increases since H-5, with approximately 165,000 vehicles already passing towards Merak Port. Based on daily data from 11 to 16 March 2026, total vehicles entering the Tangerang-Merak toll section reached 248,575 vehicles.

For exit traffic at Merak toll gate heading towards Merak Port during 11-16 March 2026, 66,016 vehicles were recorded. On Monday, 16 March, traffic volume reached 13,717 vehicles, a 19.41 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2025, but representing a 57.29 percent increase compared to normal daily traffic. “However, it shows a 57.29 percent increase compared to normal average daily traffic,” she said.

MMS projects at least 3.5 million vehicles will pass through the Tangerang-Merak toll road during the 2026 Eid exodus period. “Our prediction is around 3.5 million vehicles will pass through the Tangerang-Merak toll road,” she said.

She noted that the increasing trend in traffic volume is projected to rise by 2.5 to 2.8 percent. “So approximately 2.5 to 2.8 percent higher compared to total traffic volume in 2025,” she said.

“For the peak exodus period, we predict it will occur around 19 March, as the trend indicates that most traffic on this route is heading towards Merak Port,” she said.