MMDA: New number coding scheme could be implemented after May 9 polls

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday said the new number coding schemes could be implemented after the May 9 elections.

At the Laging Handa briefing, MMDA general manager Frisco San Juan said the consultations with other government agencies regarding the proposed number coding schemes are still ongoing.

“Nakikipag-usap pa rin po tayo sa other government agencies upang maibigay din nila ang kanilang mga suhestyon kung ano sa dalawa ang ating ipapatupad at maari po siguro after elections na po natin ito ipaiiral,” he said.

(We are still coordinating with other government agencies for their suggestions on which of the two proposed number coding schemes should be implemented. It could be implemented after the elections.)

The MMDA earlier proposed two options for the implementation of an expanded number coding scheme in the National Capital Region (NCR) in light of the increasing volume of vehicles in areas under Alert Level 1.

Under the first option, vehicles with plate numbers ending with odd numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 would not be allowed on roads on Mondays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from  5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Those with plate numbers ending with even numbers 2, 4, 6, 8, and 0 would be prohibited on Tuesdays and Fridays during the same time periods. All vehicles would be allowed on roads on Wednesdays.

Meanwhile, under the second option, vehicles with plate numbers ending with 1, 2, 3, and 4 would be prohibited on Mondays; 5, 6, 7, and 8 on Tuesdays; 9, 0, 1, and 2 on Wednesdays; 3, 4, 5, 6 on Thursdays; and 7, 8, 9, and 0 on Fridays.

 “Ang una pong isasagawa kung maramdaman natin ang pagdagsa ng marami pang pribadong sasakyan ay ang pagbabago nga ng ating vehicle reduction program sa halip na 'yung sa kasalukuyan ay 20% lang ang ating naibabawas kada araw ay maaring 40% sa isang panukala or sa pangalawang option ay 50% reduction,” San Juan said.

(The first thing to do if there will be an influx of private vehicles is to change our vehicle reduction program instead of the current one where we only deduct 20% per day, maybe 40% in the first proposal or in the second option which is 50% reduction.)

“’Yan po ang mga pinag-aaralan ngayon at ‘yan po ay idadaan sa masusing pag-aaral para sa mas detalyado pa pong mga gagawing protocols,” he added.

(That is being studied now and that will be subjected to a thorough study for more detailed protocols.)

The MMDA said it is studying the possible expansion of the afternoon number coding scheme, which is set from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Preparation ahead of Holy Week 2022 traffic

San Juan also assured the public that MMDA is prepared for the expected heavy traffic ahead of this year’s Holy Week.

“Meron na pong mga paghahanda tayo at ‘yan naman po ay mula't mula pa noong nakaraang taon pare-pareho ang ginagawa ng ating ahensya kaya kung may pagbabago ay madali naman po kaming mag-adjust para mabigyan ng solusyon,” he said.

(We already have preparations and we have been aware of this since last year. Our agency is doing the same thing, so if there is a change, we can easily adjust to provide a solution.)

“Nakahanada po ang ating mga additional traffic enforcers, mga mobile units, at mga motorcycle units para po mabilis ang pagresponde sa mga situwasyon ng trapiko,” he added.

(Our additional traffic enforcers, mobile units, and motorcycle units are ready to respond quickly to traffic situations.)

Provincial buses

Meanwhile, San Juan said, so far, the agency has yet to receive any serious complaints during the two-week dry run for the return of provincial buses in EDSA, adding that there will still be consultations with the bus operators.

“Sa Lunes po ay muli tayong makikipag-usap sa provincial bus operators para malaman natin kung ano ang kanilang assessment at kung meron silang hihilingin para i-adjust po ang kasakuluyang programa,” he added.

(On Monday, we will meet the provincial bus operators again to ask for their assessment and if they have any requests to adjust the current program.)

The Department of Transportation and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board earlier allowed the return of provincial buses on EDSA.—AOL, GMA News