Report: MMDA to implement 7 AM to 7 PM coding scheme soon

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has announced its intention to reinstate the old version of the number coding scheme on major roads in Metro Manila. The policy, known as the unified vehicular volume reduction program (UVVRP), will be in effect from 7 AM to 7 PM. 

Acting MMDA Chairman Romando Artes has mentioned that the specific date for the enforcement of the 12-hour number coding scheme has not been determined yet. They plan to assess the situation and monitor traffic conditions on major roads in Manila, especially from November 6 onwards, when holiday-related travel to and within Manila is expected to increase.

Meanwhile, the existing UVVRP, which is presently implemented on weekdays only from 7 AM to 10 AM. and from 5 PM to 8 PM except on holidays, will continue to be in effect. Artes mentioned that the agency will provide a prior official announcement regarding the implementation date of the revised MMDA Regulation No. 23-003, which modifies the UVVRP.

Back in the middle of 2022, the MMDA has been implementing an "expanded" number coding scheme, which is presently in effect from 7 to 10 AM and from 5 to 8 PM as per MMDA Regulation 22-14. This version of the coding scheme is what we are following at the moment.

However, the agency has clarified that the Metro Manila Council (MMC) made the decision to eliminate the "window period" for the expanded number coding. This move was based on traffic volume studies that revealed traffic congestion was not confined solely to specific peak periods. Meaning, whatever time of the day it was, Metro Manila still experienced the same amount of congestion. According to Artes, the MMDA's recent study indicates that at any given time, more than 4,000 vehicles were observed on EDSA, and approximately 2,000 vehicles were using C-5.

He further added that by implementing the 12-hour number coding scheme, the volume of cars on the road would decrease by 20 percent. This reduction equates to approximately 800 fewer cars on EDSA and 400 fewer cars on C-5.

As for vehicles that are exempt from the coding scheme, exemptions apply to public utility vehicles, transport network vehicle service (TNVS), motorcycles, garbage trucks, fuel trucks, registered and marked government vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, marked media vehicles, vehicles transporting essential and perishable goods, and electric and hybrid vehicles.

In order to get you prepared for the coming months, the number coding scheme will be implemented on the following roads:

Circumferential roads:

• C1. Recto Avenue
• C2. Pres. Quirino Avenue
• C3. Araneta Avenue
• C4. EDSA
• C5. C.P. Garcia Avenue

Radial Roads:

• R1. Roxas Boulevard
• R2. Taft Avenue
• R3. SLEX
• R4. Shaw Boulevard
• R5. Ortigas Avenue
• R6. Magsaysay Boulevard and Aurora Boulevard
• R7. Quezon Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue
• R8. A. Bonifacio Avenue
• R9. Rizal Avenue
• R10. Anda Circle to Samson Road

As a final note, expect to see an increased amount of cars on the road this Holiday season. As you get behind the wheel, be sure to carry an abundance of patience with you.