Number coding to be suspended on February 9, 2024

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has declared that the unified vehicular volume reduction program (UVVRP) or number coding scheme, will be suspended on February 9, 2024, Friday.

The coding suspension announcement from the MMDA

The agency posted this announcement on its official social media pages. According to the said post, the suspension of the coding scheme is in celebration of the 2024 Chinese New Year. Of note, the exact day of this holiday is February 10, but the Office of the President declared February 9, 2024, as an additional special non-working holiday. 

In doing so, the MMDA says that it will allow Filipinos more time and opportunities to celebrate the Chinese New Year as the non-working holiday will likewise result in a long weekend (February 9, 2024, to February 11, 2024). The agency likewise reminded motorists that no matter the destination, always follow traffic laws, and practice road safety. 

Of note, the MMDA regularly suspends the expanded number coding scheme on holidays. The last time it was suspended was on January 1, 2024, for the New Year’s celebration to allow for more freedom of travel.

Then again, heavier traffic is to be expected during these big holiday events. Particularly for the 2024 Chinese New Year’s celebrations, Manila City Administrator Bernie Ang said during a press conference that the Binondo Chinatown area is expected to see an uptick in visitors over the long weekend. 

Be prepared for heavier traffic this coming long weekend. 

The Manila City government likewise mentioned that around 1 million people are projected to join this year’s Chinese New Year activities. 

For those who are unaware, the expanded number coding scheme is a traffic management policy implemented during the morning and afternoon rush hours in Metro Manila. Specifically, this applies from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays. However, Makati City is an exemption as it implements number coding from 7:00 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mondays to Fridays. 

Of note, cars with plates ending in 1 and 2 are barred from plying major, radial, and circumferential Metro Manila roads on Monday. Cars with plates ending in 3 and 4 are prohibited on Tuesday, 5 and 6 on Wednesday, 7 and 8 on Thursday, and 9 and 0 on Friday. 

For more car news and automotive industry updates, keep it here on Philkotse.