MMDA says number coding scheme remains unchanged, as new proposals make rounds on social media
The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on April 18 clarified that its existing number coding scheme remain in place—as some on social media were confused about posts announcing a new scheme based on current proposals.
The MMDA's number coding scheme or the Modified Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program limits certain vehicles on the road based on the ending of plate numbers on particular days of the week, except holidays.
From 5:00pm to 8:00pm, plate numbers ending in 1 and 2 are not allowed on Mondays; 3 and 4 on Tuesdays; 5 and 6 on Wednesdays; 7 and 8 on Thursdays; and 9 and 0 on Fridays.
Public utility vehicles, transport network vehicles, motorcycles, garbage trucks, tanker trucks, and vehicles with perishable and essential goods are exempted from the scheme.
The MMDA submitted three proposals to the Metro Manila Council in hopes of further reducing vehicle volume in major thoroughfares. The proposals, which have already been presented to President Rodrigo Duterte and are still under review, came from several stakeholders during the Traffic Summit last March.
MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos told dzBB last October that the number of cars plying EDSA daily was at 398,000, which is already close to the pre-pandemic level of 405,000.
The MMDA recently posted the new proposals' infographics on its Facebook page. Many netizens, however, have been sharing unfounded posts claiming that one of the proposals could take effect as early as May.
Among the proposals includes implementing the existing number coding scheme from 7:00am to 9:00am and 5:00pm to 7:00pm for a reported 20% traffic reduction.
For a 40% reduction in traffic, the agency said it may also implement a new two-day number coding scheme during rush hour (7:00am to 9:00am and 5:00pm to 7:00pm).
For a 50% reduction in traffic, the MMDA said it's eyeing an "odd or even" number coding scheme during rush hour.
Under the proposal, plate numbers ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 will not be allowed on Mondays and Thursdays, while those ending in 2, 4, 6, 8, and 0 are not allowed on Tuesdays and Fridays. There will be no coding on Wednesdays.
Metro Manila and over 60 other areas are under the most lenient Alert Level 1 status until the end of April.
Under Alert Level 1, all intrazonal and interzonal travel are allowed without regard to age and comorbidities.
All establishments or activities are allowed to operate at full capacity, subject to minimum public health standards.