By Myris Lee
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is eyeing a new coding scheme by May.
In the Laging Handa briefing on Tuesday (April 12), MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes said the proposal aims to reduce traffic volume by 40% by prohibiting private vehicles on the road from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Excluded in the proposed new number coding scheme are public utility vehicles (PUVs) such as buses, jeepneys, taxis, and ride-hailing vehicles.
“Isinumite na po natin ‘yan sa Metro Manila Council at ine-expect po natin after Holy Week maaaprubahan na po ito. Forty percent ang mababawas sa volume ng sasakyan during rush hour, which is ni-limit natin from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.,” Artes said.
Once approved, Artes said that the target date to implement the new regulation is on May 1.
“Ang target date natin ay May 1, pero pwede natin i-adjust sa May 16. Ito naman po ay bilang preparasyon sa darating na pasukan sa Hunyo,” Artes added.
Meanwhile, the current number coding will be suspended from April 12 (Maundy Tuesday) to April 15 (Black Friday) to give way to the influx of travelers to the province.-gb
