MMDA considers expanding number coding as COVID-19 restrictions ease

By March 1, we could see the National Capital Region (NCR) placed under Level 1 restrictions. The Metro Manila Council (MMC), which is composed of 17 Metro Manila mayors, recommended the alert level downgrade to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).

The NCR could be placed under Alert Level 1 next month

In response, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is now considering expanding its number coding scheme. With a lower level of quarantine restrictions, more people are expected to go out and use the roads. This is why the government agency could expand the said policy next month.

Currently, the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) runs from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, covering private vehicles. The MMDA is studying whether it should modify the UVVRP to include a 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. restriction on concerned vehicles.

“We are studying to widen the coverage of our modified number coding scheme from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. I have met with the district heads of our Traffic Discipline Office. Based on their assessment, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., light traffic situation is observed on major thoroughfares,” said MMDA Officer-in-Charge and General Manager Atty. Romando Artes.

MMDA is considering all factors in implementing a modified UVVRP

The reason as to why the MMDA won’t just implement a full-day UVVRP is that public transportation is still limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. For the most part, a whole-day implementation of the number coding scheme will likely take a toll on workers who usually rely on their own vehicles in going to and from work. 

Until no official announcement regarding the alert level in NCR this March has been given, the current number coding scheme will remain. Around 345,000 vehicles are reported to traverse along EDSA per day, which is close to the average of 405,000 vehicles before the pandemic. The implementation of a modified UVVRP might be seen as an effort to address the potential increase in the number of vehicles on the road once restrictions are further eased.

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