MMDA mulls bringing back 7am to 7pm number coding scheme

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is considering implementing the no window hour coding scheme for the upcoming holiday season since the agency is expecting an increase in vehicle volume.  

The MMDA is expecting an increase in vehicle volume as the holiday season approaches

MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes said the agency is expecting a 15 to 20 percent increase in vehicle volume as the holiday season approaches. As such, the MMDA is mulling over implementing the 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. number coding scheme with no window hours.  

Artes shared that the Metro Manila Council (MMC), composed of Metro Manila Mayors, has approved the implementation of the no window hour coding scheme. However, the exact date of implementation is yet to be announced.   

The MMDA said that it will first evaluate the traffic situation on Metro Manila roads before deciding whether or not to implement the 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. number coding. The agency will be conducting its evaluation from November 6 to 12.    

“We will assess first the situation of Metro Manila roads from November 6 to 12, after the return of vacationers from the provinces for the Undas break. We expect 15 to 20% additional vehicle volume as the holiday nears, that’s the time we will decide whether or not to implement the 7am to 7pm number coding scheme in Metro Manila,” Artes said.

Artes reiterated that the current number coding hours, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., shall still be observed until further notice. Expect the MMDA to make a new announcement regarding the number coding scheme as the date draws nearer to the end of its evaluation period, which is November 12.

The MMDA has yet to announce if the no window hour on number coding will be implemented

The MMDA has also laid out its traffic plans for the 2023 Christmas holiday rush. Among its directives is the adjusted operating hours of shopping malls in Metro Manila. The agency recommends malls to switch their operating hours from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. starting November 13, 2023.

Moreover, mall-wide sales will only be allowed on weekends while stock deliveries will only be allowed at night. The MMDA is also asking shopping malls to submit their traffic management plans for a more organized vehicle flow.  

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