BAGUIO CITY—The City Council has deferred approval on an experimental odd-even traffic scheme that would help declog the city’s major roads of traffic during weekends.
In a statement on Friday, the council said its Committee on Public Utilities, Traffic and Transport Legislation needs to consult with affected stakeholders while it runs an information campaign to let residents and the public know about the proposed traffic solution that would be run for 60 days.
Under the odd-even traffic scheme, private motor vehicles having license plate numbers ending in 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 will not be allowed in Baguio’s existing number coding zone from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays. Those with license plate numbers ending in 2, 4, 6, 8 and 0 will not be allowed to travel around the number coding zone on Sundays.
The scheme would provide motorists, particularly tourists, stress-free travel around the major tourist destinations located in Baguio’s different barangays.
However, some councilors said the proposal should include public utility vehicles under the scheme and provide a “window period” once the proposal is implemented.
The 60-day experimental period should also be shortened to 30 days, other councilors said, while they consult with the people of Baguio to gain insights on how to improve traffic around the city, the council added.
Traffic in Baguio grinds to a halt, especially on weekends and around its central business district, as tourists drive up to the city to feel the cool Cordillera mountain breeze and see its attractions.
