MMDA exempts from number coding private cars carrying 2

Starting on Monday, June 8, private vehicles that carry a minimum of two passengers will be exempted from the number coding scheme, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

The modified coding scheme (MCS), which is similar to carpooling, was unanimously approved by the Metro Manila Council through MMDA Regulation 2020-001 in a bid to fill the gap left by the ongoing ban on public transport.

It will take effect in the whole of Metro Manila, whether on major or minor thoroughfares. All passengers inside the vehicle, however, are required to wear face masks and observe physical distancing.

Vehicles driven by doctors, nurses and other front-liners, on the other hand, are exempt from the modified coding scheme. With the implementation of the MCS, drivers of vehicles banned from the road on certain days depending on the last number of their license plates will be able to go out as long as they have at least one passenger.

But they need not comply with this requirement on the days their vehicle is not covered by the number coding scheme.

MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia earlier explained that they were hoping to maximize carpooling so that more people could get to their destinations, as long as they were compliant with World Health Organization standards for physical distancing.