MMDA: Fuel trucks, essential goods trucks exempted from number coding, truck ban

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Metro Manila mayors on Tuesday approved a resolution exempting fuel trucks and cargo trucks carrying essential goods from the number coding scheme and truck ban. 

The MMDA said the move was in response to the requests from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to make the transportation of petroleum products and essential goods faster. 

“This would ensure the unimpeded movement of energy sources and ease the mobility of goods amid the rising price of fuel products,” said MDMA chairperson Romando Artes. 

The MMDA added that they will coordinate with the DTI in identifying the essential goods that will qualify for the exemption. 

Holy Week preparations 

Meanwhile, MMDA General Manager Undersecretary Nicolas Torre III said they will deploy 2,476 personnel on major roads, transportation hubs, and other key areas in Metro Manila during the Holy Week. 

“We will enforce a no day-off and no-absent policy for all traffic and field personnel when heavy traffic is expected due to the Holy Week exodus,” said Torre. 

The MMDA will also suspend the number coding scheme in Metro Manila on April 1 at noon.

The number coding scheme is also automatically lifted on Maundy Thursday, April 2 and Good Friday, April 3, which are regular holidays. 

The MMDA added that provincial buses will be allowed along EDSA starting 9 p.m. of April 1 until 6 a.m. of April 6.

Buses from the south should terminate their trips at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), while buses from the north should end their trips at the Cubao terminal. — JMA, GMA Integrated News