Number coding for provincial buses lifted Oct. 30-31–MMDA

Imposing order on Metro Manila’s mean streets. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday announced the lifting of the number coding scheme or the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) for authorized public utility provincial buses plying roads in the metropolis on October 30 and 31.

In lifting the number coding scheme, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino had taken into consideration the expected increase in the number of commuters traveling to the provinces to pay respects to their dearly departed on All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2.

He said that by suspending such scheme, there would be enough public utility buses to serve the riding public.

The decision was also brought about by the ongoing major road and bridge repair works being undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in various locations in the provinces of Quezon in Region 4-A and Nueva Vizcaya in Region 3, which causes prolonged travel time of buses to and from Metro Manila.

Tolentino said that the suspension of the UVVRP for provincial buses was part of MMDA’s contingency plans for the forthcoming “Undas”.

However, the UVVRP will continue to be implemented for private vehicles and other public utility vehicles.

“The public is assured that the MMDA shall strictly monitor and supervise traffic flow particularly in identified choke points to ensure the unhampered mobility of vehicles and pedestrians during Undas,” Tolentino said in a statement.

Tolentino further requests the public to cooperate with the MMDA and other government authorities to guarantee a solemn, meaningful, peaceful, and orderly commemoration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.