MMDA mulls expansion of number coding scheme

Presscon of OIC Chairman Atty. Romando Artes on the MMC’s recommendation to IATF to put NCR under Alert Level 1 starting March 1. Image from Facebook / MMDA PIO chief Sharon Gentalian

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is studying the possibility of expanding the implementation of the number coding scheme as heavier traffic looms amid easing of travel restrictions in Metro Manila.

MMDA officer-in-charge chairman Romando Artes disclosed this Wednesday as he announced the unanimous decision of Metro Manila mayors to recommend the de-escalation of the region to COVID-19 Alert Level 1 starting March 1.

Artes, however, said the expanded number coding scheme will not be implemented immediately after Metro Manila’s transition to Alert Level 1.

“Pinaga-aralan natin ‘yan na if ever baka expand natin between 7 to 9 a.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. ‘yung number coding scheme, pero hindi pa natin yan implement ng March 1,” Artes said in a press briefing.

(We are studying if ever we can expand the number coding scheme between 7 to 9 a.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. but we will not implement that on March 1.)

“Tingnan natin ‘yung epekto kung sakaling bumaba sa Alert Level 1 ang National Capital Region, titingnan natin yung epekto sa traffic. Kasi sa ngayon, nakikita natin na kulang pa po yung pampublikong transportasyon natin,” he added.

(We will check first the effect of de-escalating NCR to Alert Level 1 to the traffic situation. Right now, we see that we are still short on our public transportation.)

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

Artes noted that based on traffic enforcers on the ground, heavier traffic is reported only at certain hours of the day—and not the entire day.

“Ine-expect natin na kung sakaling bumaba sa Alert Level 1 ang status ng Metro Manila na bibigat pa lalo ang daloy ng traffic,” Artes said.

(We are expecting that once Metro Manila is de-escalated to Alert Level 1, traffic situation will be heavier.)

“Sa ngayon pa lang napuna namin nagiging moderate to slow na ang ibang kalsada natin although may oras pa rin,” he added.

(Right now, we are already seeing that the traffic situation on some roads is slow to moderate, but there are certain times where the situation is like this.)

Artes said the MMDA will meet with the Department of Transportation, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Land Transportation Office on Thursday regarding the preparations should Metro Manila be placed under Alert Level 1.

EDV