Number coding to remain, MMDA says

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is not too keen on granting calls to lift the number coding traffic scheme following a decrease in traffic due to high fuel prices. MMDA general manager Roberto Nacianceno said Wednesday they have also to consider a supposed request from public utility vehicle operators for inclusion in the number coding scheme. "Kung yan ang ano ng Chamber, makita lang namin kung ano ang reasons, makikipagusap kami sa kanila (We want to see the Chamber's reasons for calling for a lifting of the number coding scheme. We are willing to discuss this with them)," Nacianceno said in an interview on dzBB radio. He was referring to the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), which called for the lifting of the number coding scheme. PCCI reportedly claimed there is no more need for the number coding scheme since traffic had declined as motorists hounded by high fuel costs have decided to take public transport. But Nacianceno said public utility operators had requested the MMDA to include them in the number coding scheme, so they can make more trips while dealing with less traffic. "Clearly public utility vehicle (operators) are asking for ma-impose ang number coding," he said. - GMANews.TV