MMDA wants new number coding scheme

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has proposed a new number coding scheme targeted to reduce the number of vehicles passing Metro Manila's major roads by 40 percent.

MMDA chairman Romando Artes said under the new coding system, private vehicles will be prohibited from traversing the affected roads for two days from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Plate numbers ending 1 and 2 will be on Monday and Wednesday; those ending in 3 and 4 on Monday and Thursday; 5 and 6 every Tuesday and Thursday; 7 and 8 Tuesday and Friday; and 9 and 0 every Wednesday and Friday.

Public utility vehicles (PUV) such as buses, jeepneys, taxis, and ride-hailing services are excluded from the scheme.

If implemented, Artes said it will help minimize traffic in EDSA northbound from 0.62 (moderate flow) to 0.52 (light to moderate flow) and in EDSA southbound from 0.71 (moderate to heavy traffic) to 0.59 (moderate flow).

The policy will also help manage the influx of private vehicles along Quezon Avenue with traffic easing from 0.70 (moderate to heavy traffic) to 0.58 (moderate flow) in its southbound lane and 0.55 (moderate flow) to 0.45 (light to moderate flow) in the northbound lane.

Traffic along Commonwealth Avenue will also be more manageable with 0.60 (moderate flow) easing to 0.52 (light to moderate flow) in the southbound lane and 0.38 (light traffic) to 0.3 (light traffic) in the northbound lane.

The proposal has been forwarded to the Metro Manila Council and is still subject for approval.  The MMDA said that when give the go-signal, it is eyeing to start its implementation on May 1, 2022.—LDF, GMA News