DOTr open to abolishing number coding scheme in Metro Manila

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is open to the proposal to abolish the implementation of number coding scheme in Metro Manila, saying that studies show that it does not really help in easing traffic.

“Base po sa pag aaral, yung mga number coding ay hindi naman talaga nakakatulong sa pag reduce ng volume [of vehicles] sa kalye,” DOTr Undersecretary for road transportation and infrastructure Anne Lontoc told the members of the House of Representatives Committee on Metro Manila Development on Wednesday.

DOTr Usec Anne Lontoc says the agency is amenable w/ the proposal to abolish number coding

— Elizabeth T. Marcelo (@marcelo_beth) September 14, 2016

During the hearing Lontoc was asked by Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting on varying number coding rules of various Metro Manila cities.

“I want to know your stand on the number coding scheme. Yung certain cities sa Metro Manila may number coding scheme while yung ibang cities naman wala. Kapag nasa Las Piñas ka hindi ka huhulihin, pagdating mo ng Parañaque huhulihin ka na,” Tambunting pointed out.

“Hindi ho ba dapat, it’s either meron lahat or wala nalang lahat? Ano ho ang pananaw nyo diyan?” Tambunting further asked.

DOTr Usec Lontoc says studies show that number coding does not really help in easing traffic

— Elizabeth T. Marcelo (@marcelo_beth) September 14, 2016

Lontoc replied that the DOTr is now working on the uniform implementation of traffic rules and added that the department is also in the process of studying the possibility of abolishing the number coding scheme.

“Lalo na at isang metropolitan area tayo na magkakadugtong lang (ang mga city)…Isa sa mga gusto naming na gawin ay yung uniform implementation of traffic rules. At base po sa pag aaral yun pong mga number coding ay hindi talaga nakakatulong na mag reduce ng volume [of vehicles]. Marami na pong pag-aaral tungkol diyan,” Lontoc said.

Lontoc specifically cited a study by Dr. Primitivo Cal of the University of the Philippines (UP) School of Urban and Regional Planning.

Based on the study, instead of easing traffic, the number coding scheme even results to more vehicles on the road.

“Hindi nakakatulong, bagkos ay lalo lang lumalala [ang traffic] pagdating ng panahon. Kasi ayon sa pag-aaral, yun pong mga may kotse bibili pa yan ng isa pa, kahit second hand or bago at yun ang gagamitin,” Lontoc explained. “

At ‘pag may pagkakataon parehong kotse gagamitin nila sa hindi coding na day so, lalo talagang dumadami,” Lontoc added.

Lontoc said that if there is any reduction of vehicles cause by the number coding scheme, “it is just very minimal.”

“In the end, parang ang mare-reduce lang ay 1.17 percent, which is very minimal,” Lontoc said. Lontoc added that even studies abroad also mirror the same findings of Cal.

“So, categorically, you are stating before this committee that it (number-coding scheme) is not an effective program?” Tambunting asked.

“Yes, po, hindi po siya effective. Marami na pong pag aaral tungkol dyan, even in other countries,” Lontoc replied.

In an interview with reporters after the hearing, Lontoc said the DOTr is now in the process of studying the possible abolition of number coding scheme and even the odd-even scheme.

She said, “Pinag-aaralan na naming ‘yan. Pareho talaga yan, pati yung odd-even scheme, they are not effective based on the studies.”

However, Lontoc said that aside from the possible abolition of number-coding and odd-even schemes, the DOTr is also introducing alternative modes of transportation to encourage private motorist to try the mass transport.

Lontoc said the DOTr is planning to introduce double-decker buses and add more routes in its existing point-to-point bus services.

“Ang importante talaga diyan ay ma-improve natin ang mass transport system. Kasi yun naman mga car owners kaya sila nag kokotse ay gusto nila na comfortable, alam mo kung ano oras ka dadating,” Lontoc said.

“Kaya we are now offering nung alternative mode [of transporation] gaya ng point-to-point bus services…kung saan wala nang hinto-hinto (ang byahe) para magsakay at on time ang pag alis ng bus kahit hindi pa puno,” she added. — VVP, GMA News