MANILA – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has submitted their proposed new number coding scheme to the Metro Manila Council, comprised of 17 mayors in the National Capital Region (NCR), and is awaiting their approval after this Holy Week.
The new number coding scheme targets to reduce traffic volume by 40%, and the MMDA eyes its implementation by May.
The currently-implemented Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) reduces traffic volume by 20%.
According to MMDA Chair Romando Artes, the new coding scheme will only apply to private vehicles, so public utility vehicles would be excluded.
The new number coding scheme will apply from 5 p.m. to 7p.m., and car plates would be prohibited during this rush hour for 2 nights a week.
- Monday: 1,2,3,4
- Tuesday: 5,6,7,8
- Wednesday: 9,0,1,2
- Thursday: 3,4,5,6
- Friday: 7,8,9,0
Artes said that with the new number coding scheme, they are expecting major roads to have a light to moderate congestion in place of the current moderate to heavy congestion.
In line with this, the Civil Service Commission is also studying MMDA’s proposal regarding the changes in regular work hours of government offices.
MMDA has suggested starting office work hours an hour earlier: 7am to 4pm instead of the present 8am to 5pm.
The department has also recommended four-day workweeks with two options:
- 10-hour workdays for 4days/week
- 8-hour workdays for 4 days/week (onsite) and 1day/week (home-based).
Sources: Philippine News Agency, CNN Philippines