MMDA eyeing revised number coding scheme

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is eyeing longer hours for the number coding scheme to lessen the volume of vehicles on Edsa, the capital’s main thoroughfare, and other major roads in the metropolis. (INQUIRER file photo / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA)

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is eyeing a whole day implementation of the number coding scheme as the capital region transitions to COVID-19 Alert Level 1 by Tuesday, March 1,  traffic czar Bong Nebrija said Monday.

“Nakikita na po natin ‘yung pagbigat ng trapiko at ‘yung pagdagdag ng volume ng mga sasakyan, hindi lang po sa Edsa kundi sa buong Kamaynilaan,” Nebrija said on TeleRadyo’s Sakto.

(We have observed heavy traffic and the additional volume of vehicles, not only in Edsa, but in the entire Metro Manila.)

“Isa sa mga options na cino-consider, ‘yun nga po, i-whole day, that’s one option. Additional 7 to 9 [a.m.] that’s another option,” he added.

(One of the options that we consider is whole-day number coding. An additional 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., that’s another option.)

Currently, the number coding scheme enforced is from  5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, except holidays, and only covers private vehicles.

Nebrija said the MMDA will observe traffic patterns and vehicular volume for three days to one week before suggesting a recommendation to the Metro Manila Council.

Currently, around 345,000 vehicles use Edsa daily, lower than the pre-pandemic volume of 405,000.

gsg