MMDA to implement expanded number coding scheme starting August 15

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to implement an expanded number coding scheme in the National Capital Region starting Monday, August 15, Super Radyo DZBB's Mark Makalalad reported Thursday.

The number coding scheme will be imposed from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Under the scheme, the MMDA said, vehicles with license plates ending in 1 and 2 are prohibited on Monday, 3 and 4 on Tuesday, 5 and 6 on Wednesday, 7 and 8 on Thursday, 9 and 0 on Friday during the mentioned coding hours.

JUST IN: MMC, nagkasundong palawigin ang number coding sa Metro Manila bilang paghahanda sa face to face classes.

Ipatutupad ang coding simula sa August 15, 2022 nang alas-7:00 ng umaga hanggang alas-10:00 ng umaga at alas-5:00 ng hapon hanggang alas-8:00 ng gabi @dzbb pic.twitter.com/SMlJPEjdAX

— Mark Makalalad (@MMakalalad) August 11, 2022

According to the report, the scheme was agreed upon at the first Metro Manila Council meeting held on Thursday.

MMDA Acting Chairman Engr. Carlo Dimayuga said the expanded coding scheme was enforced due to an expected 13 percent increase in the number of vehicles in Metro Manila ahead of the opening of classes.

In a statement, the MMDA said the ruling is expected to reduce the traffic volume by 20% during the morning and afternoon or evening peak hours.

According to the agency, the average number of vehicles plying EDSA daily was at 405,000 before the COVID-19 pandemic.

But based on  its Traffic Engineering Center  latest vehicle volume count on August 4, approximately 387,000 vehicles traversed EDSA, and the volume is expected to balloon to 436,000, or higher than pre-pandemic level.

The MMDA is coordinating with the Department of Transportation for the deployment of buses and additional traffic enforcers.

Dimayuga also said the MMDA will not apprehend violators from August 15 to 17 for the public to be aware of the ruling, but will start to issue tickets on August 18.

"Exempted from the UVVRP are public utility vehicles (including tricycles), transport network vehicle services, motorcycles, garbage trucks, fuel trucks, marked government vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, marked media vehicles, and motor vehicles carrying essential and/or perishable goods," Dimayuga added.

Prior to this, the number coding scheme was implemented only at 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday, except holidays.

Existing number coding ordinances of the respective local government units will prevail on secondary roads, the MMDA said. —LBG, GMA News