MMDA eyes reimposition of number coding during rush hour

FILE PHOTO: This photo shows a traffic enforcer of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. INQUIRER/GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is considering the reimposition of the number coding scheme during rush hours now that the National Capital Region (NCR) has eased to COVID-19 Alert Level 2, its chairman Benhur Abalos said Tuesday.

According to Abalos, they are mulling the implementation of number coding from 7 a.m.-9 a.m. and 5 p.m. -7 p.m, Monday-Friday.

“If traffic continues to worsen, we are looking at the implementation of the number coding but not for the whole day. It will only be during peak hours of the day — 7 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm,” the MMDA chairman said in a statement.

Abalos added that MMDA personnel will monitor the traffic situation for a couple of days more before coming up with a final decision.

Abalos said over 390,000 vehicles have traversed EDSA on October 7, nearing the pre-pandemic total of 405,000, which was recorded on July 9, 2019.

Implementation of the number coding scheme in Metro Manila has been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abalos previously said that the lifting of number coding prevents the spread of new coronavirus as it allows private individuals to use their vehicles at any time and any day which serves as a “personal bubble” for the individual or members of the person’s family.

KGA