Two-day number coding up for NCR mayors’ approval

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has formally submitted its proposed two-day number coding scheme to the Metro Manila Council, which is composed of the 17 mayors in the National Capital Region (NCR). 

Two-day number coding is now up for Metro Manila Council's approval [Photo: Patrickroque01]

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. Artes mentioned that major roads will have light to moderate traffic once the proposed two-day number coding is approved.   

Of note, the proposed two-day number coding scheme covers private vehicles only. Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) such as Grab, motorcycles, public utility jeepneys, buses, and taxicabs are excluded.

The proposed number coding is seen to reduce traffic by 40 percent

The revised number coding proposed by the MMDA is now up for approval from the 17 mayors in NCR. Reports state that the decision can be released after Holy Week. If it gets approved, Artes said that the two-day number coding scheme could be implemented as early as May 1. However, the MMDA chief also added that it might be pushed back to May 16. 

Meanwhile, the current number coding scheme is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with vehicles prohibited to drive on public roads once a week. The MMDA has suspended the number coding this Holy Week to give motorists the chance to travel to their respective provinces earlier.

Ayala Avenue in Makati City [Photo: Patrickroque01]

On the other hand, Makati City is implementing its own number coding scheme, which is from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Makati City clarified that senior citizens with a Blu Card are exempted from the regular number coding scheme. This includes both driving and passenger Blu Card holders.

Makati City has also previously said that persons with disability (PWD) with valid PWD ID are exempted from the number coding scheme. Moreover, as stated in the Makati Traffic Code, the exemption covers official functions and medical emergencies.

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