MMDA suspends ‘number coding’ during Holy Week

MANILA, Philippines—Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino on Wednesday ordered a week-long suspension of the Unified Vehicular Reduction Program, or the number coding scheme, for the entire Lenten break.

He said the coding scheme will be suspended from April 2 to April 9 in anticipation of traffic congestion caused by the influx of holidaymakers who will travel to and from Metro Manila.

The MMDA earlier launched operation plan Metro Alalay Semana Santa 2012 to help motorists and commuters travelling to their provinces by directing the flow of traffic at transport terminals and other critical areas where a backlog of traffic may develop due to the volume of vehicles on the road.

Tolentino assures the public that MMDA traffic enforcers will be ready to assist motorists and commuters. MMDA’s Facebook and Twitter account will also be operational 24/7 to respond to queries travelers may have.

To avoid traffic during Holy Wednesday and Holy Thursday, the MMDA suggests the public to avoid the stretch of the EDSA as much as possible by considering alternate routes along the Mabuhay Lanes.

MMDA said the Mabuhay Lanes start at both North and South entry points of EDSA.

For northbound motorists going south, they may take the McArthur Highway, make a right turn to Samson Road, C-4/Letre, R-10, A. Bonifacio, and Roxas Boulevard to point of destination.

Motorists coming from the North Luzon Expressway, on the other hand, can exit at various points, including at the newly constructed Mindanao Avenue access ramp.

From South to North, the Mabuhay lanes start at Coastal Road and South Luzon Expressway, MMDA said.