The implementation of a new number coding scheme to further lessen the volume of vehicular traffic in Metro Manila may begin after the May 9 elections, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Friday.
In a briefing, Undersecretary and MMDA general manager Frisco San Juan Jr said studies on the proposed 40 to 50 percent vehicle reduction plans were still ongoing.
“We are still in discussion with other government agencies so they can give their suggestion on which of the two (plans) should be upheld. Its implementation may happen after the elections,” San Juan said.
The MMDA earlier proposed two possible changes to its Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP)—commonly known as number coding or color-coding.
One option seeking a 50-percent volume reduction calls for vehicles with license plates ending in even numbers are banned major roads on Tuesdays and Fridays, while plates ending with odd numbers are banned on Mondays and Thursdays.
The other option is a 40-percent reduction plan wherein vehicles will be barred in the metropolis two days a week with a varied schedule based on their license plate.
Both options will only be implemented during rush hours—morning from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
To address the forthcoming resumption of face-to-face classes, San Juan said the MMDA was also coordinating with the public transportation sector and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on the possible reopening of old and new public transportation routes.
He said the new work arrangements for government offices suggested by the MMDA to help ease the flow of traffic during rush hours were also being addressed by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).
“They are now working on a study and we expect to hear more from about this in the following days,” San Juan said.
Earlier, the MMDA suggested changing the regular work hours of government offices in Metro Manila an hour earlier, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. as opposed to the usual 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. workdays.
It also suggested two different forms of four-day workweeks—10-hour workdays four days a week or eight-hour workdays at the office, and four days a week plus one day working from home. `