Now that traffic along EDSA has reached near pre-pandemic levels, will it be ideal to reimpose the number-coding scheme in Metro Manila?
EXCITED to leave the house once again after two years, more and more people are going out to malls, public parks, and spaces, which also lead to more cars on the road.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) even announced that the vehicle traffic in EDSA is nearing pre-pandemic levels to the point that the agency is thinking of bringing back the number-coding scheme
MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos said that they are currently studying implementing the measure during rush hours in Metro Manila.
“If traffic continues to worsen, we are looking at the implementation of the number coding but not for the whole day. It will only be during peak hours of the day—7 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm,” Abalos said.
MMDA is expected to finalize the new policy within the week to also give motorists a heads up before implementation.
This is the first time the agency has announced any serious intention to resume the number-coding scheme since its suspension last year at the height of the pandemic.
Last week MMDA lifted the curfew allowing the public to stay out past midnight and businesses to operate at longer hours.
According to Abalos, the decision was to manage the increase in traffic.
While Metro Manila is in Alert Level 2, the government continues to remind the public that we are not out of the woods yet and Covid-19 remains a threat.
Officials advise avoiding crowded places and maintaining minimum public health standards such as the wearing of face masks, social distancing, washing of hands, and regular disinfecting.
Is the decision to resume number-coding wise?
Will it help in avoiding traffic and overcrowding or will it become a problem for those trying to get to and from work?
Tags: #traffic, #MMDA, #numbercoding, #transportation