Number coding scheme still suspended in NCR under Alert Level 3 —MMDA

The implementation of the number coding scheme in the National Capital Region (NCR) remains suspended under the Alert Level 3 status, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Saturday.

MMDA chairman Benhur Abalos said the decision to keep the number coding scheme suspended despite the easing of quarantine restriction in Metro Manila is aimed at keeping people safe in their “personal bubbles” which are inside their own vehicles.

This, as the NCR’s public transportation capacity is still not on normal operations as the 50% passenger capacity limit remains in place.

"Hangga't maaari po sana sinususpende po natin ang coding kasi isipin mo, kung isa lang kotse mo, saan ka sasakay? Sasakay ka sa jeep, sa bus, sa MRT. Ay baka makipagsiksikan lalo," Abalos said during the Laging Handa public briefing.

(As much as possible, we want to suspend the coding scheme to avoid crowding in public transportation because if you own only one car and it’s not allowed to ply the roads due to number coding, where will you ride? In a jeep, bus, or MRT which may cause further crowding.)

Abalos said that if people are prohibited from using their cars, they might resort to carpooling which may compromise their health and safety.

Makati City, meanwhile, is the only local government unit in Metro Manila that currently implements a modified number coding scheme. —KG, GMA News