The National Capital Region (NCR) has shifted to a more lenient Alert Level 1 status from March 1 to 15. This means that more people can move freely due to the less strict COVID-19 guidelines. With more movement expected, traffic within the metropolis could more likely increase and get worse.
The MMDA is looking to expand the number coding scheme
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is currently implementing the number coding scheme from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, which covers private vehicles. The MMDA decided to bring back the number coding to address the increased vehicle volume along EDSA and other parts of the metro.
As Metro Manila shifts to Alert Level 1, the MMDA is expecting that vehicle volume will significantly increase as more individuals can move freely, and more establishments are permitted to operate.
Previously, the MMDA said that it is considering to implement an expanded number coding scheme, which would cover morning rush hour traffic. The agency said that it might implement number coding from 7:00 a.m. to 9 a.m. in addition to the current number coding scheme.
MMDA considers expanding number coding as COVID-19 restrictions ease
MMDA Officer-in-Charge and General Manager Atty. Romando Artes said that he has already discussed the matter with the district heads of the agency’s Traffic Discipline Office.
“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,” Artes said.
Recently, traffic czar Edison Bong Nebrija shared to DZMM TeleRadyo’s Sakto that the agency is indeed considering to implement number coding during the morning rush hour. Nebrija added that the MMDA is also eyeing a whole day implementation of the number coding scheme as NCR shifts to Alert Level 1.
The traffic czar also shared that the MMDA will observe traffic patterns and look into vehicular volume for up to one week before giving its recommendation to the Metro Manila Council.
PUVs now allowed to have maximum passenger capacity
On the other hand, among the new guidelines approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF) is the increase in passenger capacity in public transportation. The IATF is now allowing full or 100 percent seating capacity in public utility vehicles (PUVs) under Alert Level 1.
That said, should the MMDA expand the number coding scheme as NCR shifts to a more lenient alert level status? Cast your vote in Philkotse’s Poll of the Week.
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