Double ‘coding’ in Metro Manila?

Faced with the chaotic traffic situation after the strict restrictions on Covid-19 pandemic were loosened up recently, the Metro Manila Development Authority is back trying to implement another experiment on our roads. 

A proposal to make a new twist on the existing Modified Number-Coding Scheme, otherwise known as the Unified Volume Reduction Program, is expected to be implemented probably middle of next month. 

The said proposal, which was already sent to all the mayors of Metro Manila, would try to ease the huge gridlocks being experience in major thoroughfares especially during the rush hours. This after stringent safety restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic were lifted and more people are back on the road. 

MMDA chair Romando Artes had proposed to double the number of “coding” days for vehicles that will lead to a 40% reduction in the volume of traffic.The scheme will be in effect from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Monday to Friday and will affect the following vehicles: 

The morning rush hour will not be affected. This simply means motorists with coding vehicles can still go to their destinations without fear of being apprehended (except in Makati). The number-coding scheme exempts public utility vehicles such as buses, jeepneys, taxis, TNVS vehicles like Grab, and motorcycles. 

“From moderate to heavy, ini-expect po natin iyong mga pangunahing lansangan natin will be light to moderate lamang at magpapabilis po ng daloy ng trapik. Magagamit ninyo pa po iyong oras na iyan na instead na na-stuck kayo sa trapik, makakagawa pa po kayo ng errands or makakapag-overtime sa trabaho,” said MMDA Chairman Romando Artes . 

If implemented, the southbound lane of Edsa would experience “moderate flow” of vehicles from the current moderate to heavy while traffic flow on the northbound lane would improve from moderate to light to moderate, Chairman Artes added. 

In 2018, the Japan International Cooperation Agency said the worsening traffic in Metro Manila was costing the country P3.5 billion in lost opportunities daily. Artes said the proposed new number coding scheme had already been submitted to the Metro Manila Council, which was expected to approve it after Holy Week.