Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 12) — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has confirmed seeking the approval of Metro Manila mayors to expand the number coding scheme to two nights per week.
MMDA chairperson Romando Artes on Monday said the proposal, which was presented to the policy-making body Metro Manila Council, could reduce traffic by 40% if implemented. The current scheme covers only one night in a week.
Under the proposal, car plates with the following last numbers would be prohibited on the road from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. certain days:
– Monday: 1, 2, 3, 4
– Tuesday: 5, 6, 7, 8
– Wednesday: 9, 0, 1, 2
– Thursday: 3, 4, 5, 6
– Friday: 7, 8, 9, 0
Artes said the suggested expanded scheme will cover private vehicles. Motorcycles, bus, taxis, TNVS, and jeepneys will be exempted.
“Ito po ay naisumite na natin sa Metro Manila Council for approval, Mr. President, at tina-target po natin itong maging effective — depende po sa mapagkakasunduan ng Metro Manila mayors,” the MMDA chair said in his report to President Rodrigo Duterte.
[Translation: We submitted the proposal for approval. The target date will depend on the mayors.]
In a briefing on Tuesday, Artes said the target date for implementation is May 1, but adjustable to May 16.
Under the current scheme, plate numbers ending in 1 and 2 are barred every Monday; 3 and 4 every Tuesday; 5 and 6 every Wednesday; 7 and 8 every Thursday; and 9 and 0 every Friday, all from 5 to 8 p.m. This scheme is viewed to reduce traffic by only 20%.
