MMDA may revive color coding scheme for buses

Noting how buses contribute to the worsening traffic in Metro Manila's major roads, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is considering reviving the number coding scheme for public utility buses. MMDA Chairman Oscar Inocentes said they expect this move to ease traffic along bus routes, according to a report Friday on dzXL radio. Inocentes said the lower number of buses should not affect commuters, who can take the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT). He said there are presently more than 4,000 buses plying major thoroughfares such as Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA). On the other hand, he said bus operators can save on fuel and maintenance costs if they keep their buses off the roads for at least one day a week. The MMDA's number coding scheme prohibits vehicles from passing through major thoroughfares on certain days of the week, depending on the vehicle's plate number. Exempted from the scheme are ambulances, government vehicles including those of the military and police, fire trucks, diplomatic vehicles, and school buses. - RJAB Jr./JV, GMANews.TV