The proposed number coding scheme, which aims to cut road traffic volume by 40 percent, is expected to be implemented by next month, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
In a televised interview on Tuesday, MMDA Chairman Romando S. Artes said they would be presenting their proposed scheme to the Metro Manila Council (MMC) on Black Saturday.
“Our target date [for the implementation] is on May 1 [2022], but it could be adjusted to May 16 since it is preparation for the upcoming opening of classes by June,” Artes said.
He added the new coding scheme would be implemented twice a week to minimize the number of private vehicles in main thoroughfares in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The scheme bans vehicles with the last digits in their plate numbers on the following days: 1 and 2 on Monday and Wed; 3 and 4 on Monday and Thursday; 5 and 6 on Tuesday and Thursday; 7 and 8 on Tuesday and Friday; and 9 and 0 on Wednesday and Friday.
It will take effect from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
However, the scheme will not cover public utility vehicles (PUV), which will include bus, jeepneys, taxis, motorcycle, and transportation network vehicle service (TNVS).
Anti-poor policy?
Artes defended the new number coding scheme against criticisms that it is anti-poor since it benefits people who can afford to buy multiple vehicles to by-pass the said restriction.
He assured the scheme would not cover PUVs so as not to affect commuters.
Likewise, he said the Land Transportation Office (LTO) would be implementing a policy, wherein those who have existing vehicles will be issued a plate number with an ending number similar to that of their previous vehicle.
“This will prevent them [multiple vehicle owners] from avoiding the number coding scheme,” Artes said.
In a related development, Artes said they are also scheduled to talk with the Civil Service Commission after Holy Week to discuss their proposed 4-day workweek proposal for government personnel to help minimize vehicular traffic nationwide.
MMDA came out with the proposed traffic-reduction measures after the government started easing business and public transportation capacity in NCR due to its decreasing novel Covid-19 cases.