Makati's normal number coding scheme returns March 16

With the National Capital Region being placed by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Alert Level 1 starting March 1, the traffic situation in Metro Manila has already gotten worse. More businesses are restarting their operations and employees are returning to their offices. To address the influx of more vehicles into one of the country's busiest commercial districts, Makati has made steps to address traffic in their city.

Currently, private motorists going to or passing through the City of Makati enjoy a free pass on number coding days as long as they're carrying two or more passengers. Sadly, this will soon end.

The City Government of Makati has announced that beginning March 16, normal number-coding scheme resumes. This means no more exemptions. Car owners with two or more occupants using “coding” vehicles in Makati from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM will now be apprehended.

However, some exemptions will stay. Coding vehicles with Senior Citizen Blu Card holders as drivers or passengers will be allowed to use Makati roads. Also, for those under official functions and medical emergencies based on the Makati Traffic Code, their coding exemptions will stay.

For the rest of Metro Manila though, the Monday to Friday, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM coding scheme remains in effect. The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is yet to make announcements regarding changes in its implementation.

That being said, the resumption of the normal coding in Makati should encourage the use of carpooling, especially with today's sky-high oil prices.