MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday reiterated that the lifting of number coding on October 31 and November 4 is only for provincial buses.
Number coding was lifted for provincial buses amid the expected influx of passengers traveling before and after the All Saints’ Day on November 1.
Meanwhile, number coding for all vehicles is lifted on Friday, November 1.
“Ang LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) nagkaroon na ng special permits so in support sa DOTr (Department of Transportation) at LTFRB, we will lift coding sa mga provincial buses para magamit nilang pandagdag para hindi kulangin,” MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said in a press briefing.
(The LTFRB has issued special permits already in support of the DOTr and the LTFRB; we will lift coding for provincial buses so that there will be no shortage in buses.)
Garcia advised that motorists traveling to provinces to ensure that their vehicles are ready for the road to avoid accidents.
He also asked motorists to not be on a rush and expect heavy traffic along North Luzon Expressway and South Luzon Expressway, especially those going to the provinces.
No road reblocking activities were scheduled for the Undas season, Garcia added.
“I’m sure marami yan. Maraming uuwi ng probinsya. Kasi yang Undas, part ng kultura ng Pilipino na nagkakaroon ng reunion. Natapat nga weekend pa, very long weekend,” Garcia said.
(I’m sure many people would travel to provinces. Undas has become a part of the Filipino culture as an event for reunions. It happened that it also falls on a long weekend.)
MMDA desks and ambulances will also be placed at bus station terminals such as the Araneta Center Bus Terminal and the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) to assist commuters.