Current number coding scheme to stay due to limited public transpo

As we move forward in the new normal, the guidelines regarding the number coding scheme are being changed to oversee the flow of traffic. Considering that the National Capital Region (NCR) shifted to Alert Level 2, with plans to further lower it, a new number coding scheme might be underway.

The current number coding scheme stays [Photo: Patrickroque]

But in a report by Inquirer.net, MMDA General Manager and Officer-in-Charge Romando Artes said that the current number coding scheme will stay due to the limitations in the public transportation sector. This means that the guidelines will still restrict concerned private vehicles from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., except on holidays.

“Sa ngayon naman po, hindi pa po namin nakikita na dapat palawakin ang ating number coding. We’ll decide po ‘pag talagang sa tingin namin ay hindi na po kaya or talagang masikip na at kailangan pang magbawas ng bilang ng sasakyan sa kalsada,” said Artes on TeleRadyo’s Sakto Monday.

(As of now, we do not see the need to expand our number coding. We’ll decide when we see that roads are really congested and the number of cars on the road need to decrease.)

There are still limitations in public transportation

If MMDA will expand the number coding scheme, more private vehicle users will be obliged to take public transportation. But since the government agency thinks that the flow of traffic is still manageable, the current guidelines stay intact. Although, Artes acknowledged that the traffic got heavier since the Alert Level from 3 to 2.

He added that around 345,000 vehicles are traversing along EDSA per day, which is quite a lot even when compared to the pre-pandemic numbers at 405,000.

But if the Alert Level increases, the MMDA could suspend the number coding scheme just like it did during the early stages of the pandemic. The public transportation sector will take a toll as well. 

The MMDA might expand the number coding scheme if traffic worsens

As a review, the No Vaxx, No Ride policy prohibits unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals to take public transport. However, the said policy is currently suspended since Metro Manila is under Alert Level 2 until the end of February as of this writing.  

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