MMDA: Edsa buses to be exempt from ‘coding’ with HOV implementation

The number coding scheme for buses on Edsa will be lifted by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) once the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) scheme is fully implemented.

On Friday the MMDA decided to continue the dry-run of the HOV traffic scheme. According to MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia, once the HOV is fully implemented, the coding scheme on buses might be lifted.

Garcia said the lifting the number coding scheme on both provincial buses and city buses would help commuters get a ride particularly during rush hours.

“In case the driver-only ban will be imposed, and will lead to diminishing of at least 50 percent of the vehicle volume on EDSA, the number coding scheme will be lifted on buses. This seeks to promote commuting,” Garcia said after the special executive meeting of the MMC.

However, Garcia clarified that the ban on provincial buses traversing Edsa would still be implemented even if the coding was already lifted.

According to the record of the MMDA, an average of 350,000 vehicles traverse Edsa daily.

With this, the MMDA continues to encourage the public to engage in carpooling instead to help lower the volume of vehicles on Edsa.

The HOV scheme was initially set to be implemented along Edsa during rush hours starting August 23, but was later suspended.  /muf