MMDA releases new number coding scheme

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday has released the list of areas where the number coding scheme will be implemented in the metropolis—some have their own window hours while others have not. This was made after MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino suspended all exemptions to the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) through the recently issued Memorandum Circular 4 to ease traffic flows in Metro Manila.

The UVVRP took effect on June 1996 through MMDA Regulation Number 96-005, duly approved by the Metro Manila Council—the policy-making body of the MMDA—composed of the mayors of the 17 local governments comprising Metro Manila.

The scheme was designed to curb the high volume of vehicles plying the national, city, and municipal roads within the metropolis, specifically during peak hours.

Under the most updated rules on UVVRP being implemented by the 17 local goverments:

• Number coding is in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., without window hours in Makati, Malabon, and Las Piñas.
• Marikina, Muntinlupa, Taguig, and Parañaque do not implement the number coding.
• Pasig City implements the number coding and observes window hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Number coding scheme is in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Calo-ocan, Mandaluyong, Manila, Navotas, Pateros, Quezon City, San Juan, and Valenzuela. The window hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. is observed.
• Pasay City is implementing the UVVRP except on the following roads: Ninoy Aquino Avenue, MIA Road, Domestic Road, Airport Road, Sales Road, and portions of Buendia Avenue.
• Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), Circumferential Road 5 (C5), Diosdado Macapagal Avenue, and Roxas Boulevard all have window hours regardless of the city. MMDA also reminds the public that the number coding is not implemented on weekends and is normally suspended during the observance of national and special holidays. –SAMMY MARTIN, Manila Times