MMDA prepares for school opening with extended coding scheme dry run, clearing ops

The dry run for the implementation of the expanded number coding scheme will start on Monday, August 15, ahead of the resumption of face-to-face classes next week.

According to Bernadette Reyes’ report on “24 Oras Weekend,” the Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA) said that an average of 426,000 to 430,000 vehicles per day are expected on EDSA starting on August 22.

The estimate exceeds the 405,000 vehicles plying EDSA during the pre-pandemic period in 2019.

Under the expanded number coding scheme, MMDA Task Force Special Operations chief Bong Nebrija said, they will flag down motorists to remind them of the rules.

“One week before the school opening i-introduce na po natin ang expanded number coding scheme… So may window hour po tayo para mapaluwag ang mga kalsada,” Nebrija said.

(One week before the school opening we will introduce the expanded number coding scheme... So we have a window hour to ease traffic.)

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

Exempted from the ruling are public utility vehicles, motorcycles, transport network vehicle services, garbage and fuel trucks, and vehicles delivering essential goods.

The MMDA will also conduct clearing operations on roads leading to schools to ensure the unimpeded flow of traffic for students.

At least 581 traffic enforcers will also be deployed to assist 146 schools in Metro Manila, the agency said.

Meanwhile, the no-contract apprehension policy will be intensified for the implementation of the number coding scheme.

Alternate route

Nebrija similarly advised motorists to avoid some roads and take alternate routes such as the Kalayaan-Pantaleon Bridge and Santa Monica Bridge.

Mabuhay Lanes can also be used by motorists coming from the west and east corridors of EDSA, he said.

“Even the ones living in Pasig and San Juan and Mandaluyong, they still go out to traverse and cross Pasig River via the Guadalupe Bridge. Ang sinasabi namin, hindi na kailangan. Huwag na kayong mag-EDSA [What we were saying is that they don't need to go through EDSA],” Nebrija said.

Further, the MMDA official asked schools to help ease traffic on roads.

“Open their school premises na doon na sa [loob ng school] magbaba at magsakay. Kung mayroon silang football field or track-in field kung pwede doon muna papilahin ang mga sasakyan,” Nebrija added.

(Open their school premises so vehicles can pick up or drop off inside. If they have a football field or track-in field, vehicles could probably line up there.) — Mel Matthew Doctor/BM, GMA News