Number coding window hours to stay this holiday season, MMDA says

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that the current number coding scheme with window hours will be retained indefinitely. This means that the number coding in Metro Manila will still be implemented from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. despite the expected increase in vehicle volume during the holiday season.

Window hours on number coding scheme will be retained

MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes previously shared that the agency expects a 15 to 20 percent increase in vehicle volume as the holiday season approaches. That said, the MMDA has considered implementing the 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. number coding scheme. 

However, Artes clarified earlier this month that the MMDA will first evaluate the traffic situation on Metro Manila roads to determine whether or not it is necessary to drop the number coding window hours.  

In a report by Inquirer, Artes said that the MMDA’s two-week traffic evaluation does not call for suspending the number coding window hours. As such, the number coding scheme remains the same, which is from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.   

“Based on our two-week study, we can still make do with our roads in Metro Manila not being parking lots while Christmas comes closer,” Artes said.

The current number coding scheme will be in effect

Artes added that the decision to retain the current window hours is to give way for motorists who only own one vehicle. With the window hours in effect, motorists who own a single vehicle would not be affected much.

Of note, Makati City implements a 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. number coding scheme. 

The MMDA has also done its preparation for the upcoming Christmas holiday rush. Among its traffic management plans is the directive for shopping malls in Metro Manila to adjust their operating hours to 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The adjusted mall hours have been in effect since November 13, 2023.  

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