MMDA: Number coding suspended on Dec. 25-26, Jan. 1

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday announced the suspension of the number coding traffic scheme on Christmas Day (Monday), December 26 (Tuesday-holiday), and New Year’s Day (Monday).

According to the MMDA, the suspension of the number coding scheme or the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) is part of the government’s measures to ensure smooth travel for the public during the holiday season.

To date, the number coding scheme is in effect from Mondays to Fridays during window hours of 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.—excluding holidays.

The MMDA said the measure is meant to ease traffic congestion on certain roads in the National Capital Region (NCR) by disallowing vehicles with license plates ending with 1 and 2 on Mondays, 3 and 4 on Tuesdays, 5 and 6 on Wednesdays, 7 and 8 on Thursdays, and 9 and 0 on Fridays.

Meanwhile, 1-Pacman Rep. Mikee Romero urged the MMDA not to impose a whole-day vehicular coding scheme to allow vehicle owners to drive to work or do their activities during the window period.

Romero said imposing a whole-day coding scheme would only favor those with extra funds to buy a second or a third vehicle, as well as the car manufacturers, who have been “enjoying phenomenal growth” in sales.

 “My point is, let us not add to the sacrifice and suffering of families owning just one vehicle and who cannot afford to buy another car for coding,” the lawmaker said.