The vehicle volume in the National Capital Region (NCR) significantly increased when it was placed under a less stringent COVID-19 Alert Level 1 status. As more establishments are allowed to operate as well as the return to an office-based work setup, the usual traffic in the nation’s capital has come back once again.
The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is aware of the increased vehicle volume, especially along the stretch of EDSA. This is why the agency is looking for ways how to address the current traffic situation in the NCR. The MMDA has even conducted a multi-stakeholder summit last March to formulate a traffic management plan for the so-called new normal.
Implementing an expanded number coding scheme is among the things that the MMDA is pushing for, with the expectation of curbing traffic along EDSA. MMDA chairman Romando Artes said that the proposed two-day number coding will reduce traffic along EDSA by 40 percent.
The two-day number coding scheme is now already up for Metro Manila Council’s (MMC) approval. The MMC is composed of the 17 Metro Manila mayors. Previously, the MMDA said that the MMC’s decision will be released after Holy Week. But, as of this writing, the MMDA has yet to announce if the proposed two-day number coding has been approved or not by the MMC.
The proposed number coding scheme will ban cars to drive through Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) two days a week depending on the last digit of their license plate. The revised number coding scheme being pushed by the MMDA will prohibit cars on EDSA from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the following days:
Plate numbers ending in 1, 2: Monday, Wednesday
Plate numbers ending in 3, 4: Monday, Thursday
Plate numbers ending in 5, 6: Tuesday, Thursday
Plate numbers ending in 7, 8: Tuesday, Friday
Plate numbers ending in 9, 0: Wednesday, Friday
MMDA chairman Romando Artes noted that the proposed number coding will reduce traffic along EDSA by 40 percent. He added that major roads will also have light to moderate traffic once the two-day coding is implemented.
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