Restore Number Coding? MMDA Says Not Yet
The number coding scheme in Metro Manila will remain suspended until the end of the year to make way for the easy movement of essential goods and workers, the MMDA said Friday.
Number coding has been suspended since the start of quarantines early this year. The truck ban was lifted to allow for the movement of essential goods.
On Thursday, Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian called for the reimplementation of the number coding and truck ban to help ease Christmas season traffic.
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When asked if the number coding could return, MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia told ANC "Maybe not yet. Alam naman natin na ang ating public transportation ay hindi pa ganoon ka-stable, hindi full capacity. Number 2, pag nag-coding tayo, I’m expecting loads and loads of requests for exemption."
(Maybe not yet. We know our public transportation is not yet that stable, not yet in full capacity. Number 2, when we resume the coding, I'm expecting loads and loads of requests for exemption.)
The government could reimpose the truck ban in some areas such as EDSA, but Garcia said details must be checked with the Department of Trade and Industry, since the ban was initially lifted to ease the transport of essential goods.
The dedicated bus lane in EDSA will stay until next year, he said.
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"We really need to give priority sa mga commuter kasi lalo ngayong may pandemic tayo. They cannot stay inside a bus for more than an hour or two hours. Yung private naman, ang kasama mo dyan, kasama mo sa bahay, kakilala mo," he said.
(We really need to give priority to the commuters especially now that we're in a pandemic. They cannot stay inside a bus for more than an hour or two. Those in private vehicles share it with people they live with, people they know.)