MMDA removes exemption for provincial buses in number coding scheme

Provincial buses are no longer exempted from the number coding scheme following the lifting of the provincial bus ban along Epifanio De los Santos Ave (Edsa), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Tuesday.

MMDA Spokesperson Celine Pialago explained that since there were delays in the construction of bus terminals in Metro Manila, the provincial bus ban has been lifted.

“So balik na po sa dati, they can traverse Edsa anytime of the day,” Pialago said in an interview with Radyo Inquirer 990 AM.

READ: MMDA suspends Edsa ban on provincial buses

The MMDA announced in June that  provincial buses plying Edsa would be exempted from the number coding scheme to help ease their incurred operational costs while the restrictions are in place.

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

The provincial bus ban was fully implemented last August 15 together with the dry-run for the High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) lane policy that bans solo-motorists from passing through Edsa during rush hours.

Pialago said that implementing these two policies at the same time would “balance” the policy for commuters and for private motorists.

“Dapat po kasi diyan, habang may polisiya tayo sa commuters, may polisiya tayo sa private motorists. So gusto natin yung balanse (If we have a policy for communters, we must also have a policy for private motorists. It should be balanced),” she said.

The MMDA has deferred thrice the implementation of the HOV policy following a backlash from the public and the Senate.

Despite this, the dry-run for the said policy continues “until further notice.” /ee

READ: Edsa’s driver-only ban remains suspended