Afternoon number coding in NCR to start Dec. 1, 2021 —MMDA

The implementation of the modified number coding scheme in the National Capital Region (NCR) will start on Wednesday, December 1, according to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos on Tuesday.

The modified scheme, which will only cover private vehicles, will be implemented during afternoon rush hour, or from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, excluding holidays, Abalos said, citing the resolution signed by Metro Manila mayors.

Exempted in the number coding scheme are public utility vehicles (PUVs) including tricycles, transport network vehicle service (TNVS), motorcycles, garbage and fuel trucks, and vehicles carrying essential and perishable goods.

Abalos said PUVs are exempted from the scheme as they are still operating under limited passenger capacity under Alert Level 2, resulting in long queues of passengers. 

The MMDA chairman said Metro Manila mayors will observe the pilot implementation of the afternoon rush hour number coding for three weeks to determine how the scheme can be recalibrated.

“If it won’t work, we will make it in the mornings. And if it will not work again, we will make it whole day,” Abalos said.

As to how traffic enforcers can identify TNVS from private motorists, the MMDA chairman said the agency is now getting in touch with Grab Philippines to put stickers on their partner-drivers’ vehicles.

He also noted that any emergency are exempted from the coding policy.

“If it’s not an emergency, just follow the rules. Everyone should really follow... Our policy is not so stringent, it’s only three hours a day,” he added.

Abalos said that the traffic volume along EDSA is already reaching pre-pandemic levels.

He said that the number of vehicles plying Metro Manila’s main busiest thoroughfare are 401,458 only 4,000 to 5,000 vehicles short of the pre-pandemic levels of 405,000 to 406,000. — with Ted Cordero/KBK/RSJ, GMA News