MMDA mulls new 4-digit number coding scheme

 ANDREW TADALAN / INQUIRER

MANILA, Philippines—The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is looking at the possibility of implementing a four-digit number coding scheme in a bid to reduce the number of vehicles plying the major thoroughfares in Metro Manila everyday.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said Wednesday that he recognized the need to come up with new schemes to alleviate traffic problems in Metro Manila, particularly at the Epifanio de los Santos (Edsa), where thousands of public and private vehicles pass daily.

“When we came here [as MMDA chairman], there are 1.9 million registered vehicles in Metro Manila but as of now it reached 2.3 million so we might duplicate the four digit number coding in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil,” Tolentino said.

Under this proposed number scheme, vehicles with licence plates ending in 1,2,3 and 4 will not be allowed from plying the roadways on Mondays; 5,6, 7 and 8 on Tuesdays; 9,0,1 and 2 on Wednesdays; 3, 4, 5 and 6 on Thursdays; and 7,8, 9 and 0 on Fridays.

He, however, said the proposal will still need to undergo consultations with all stakeholders, including the 17-member Metro Manila Council.

The policy may be enforced in the whole Metro Manila or in Edsa only, Tolentino said.