MMDA to review applications for Number Coding exemptions

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that they are still processing the requests for exemptions to the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), also known as Number Coding scheme.

However, the pending 339 applications will be thoroughly reviewed as the agency wouldn’t want to defeat the purpose of controlling the volume of vehicles in the covered thoroughfares. The move was uncalled for yet necessary, as MMDA disclosed that from October 2016 to May 2017, a total of 1,263 Number Coding exemptions were released. 

We would be reviewing every application to ensure that the exemptions issued out by the agency would be reasonable and meritorious,” said MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim.

The newly-appointed chairman tasked Deputy Chief of Staff Michael Salalima, in line with Chief of Staff Jojo Garcia, to go through all applications. The pending requests are from numerous sectors including light truck operators, person with disabilities, members of the media, and school shuttle service providers.

It was reported early this year that the application for exemptions were temporary suspended due to an increased number of applicants, which sprung from the numerous modifications to the UVVRP.

As a review, the expanded UVVRP will still run from Mondays to Fridays, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Of note, there won’t be any window hour as well. Vehicles with license plates that end in 1 and 2 are not allowed to go out on Mondays; 3,4 on Tuesdays; 5,6 on Wednesdays; 7,8 on Thursdays; and 9,0 on Fridays.

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons