MMDA: Number-coding scheme suspended starting tomorrow

We have more good news for motorists this week. Aside from the fact that oil companies will roll back gasoline and diesel prices starting tomorrow, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that they will be suspending the number coding scheme.

Starting tomorrow April 12, Holy Tuesday, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the Modified Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM will be suspended. That means vehicles with license plates ending in 3 and 4, as well as 5 and 6, need not worry about violating the modified UVVRP on Holy Tuesday and Holy Wednesday.

In addition, the number coding scheme is also automatically suspended on April 14 (Holy Thursday) and on April 15 (Good Friday) as both days are regular holidays.

According to the MMDA, the decision to suspend the number coding scheme is to give the public the opportunity to travel earlier due to the influx of people returning to the provinces this Holy Week. With it, motorists can expect terminals and ports to be crowded as Holy Thursday draws nearer.

If you're thinking of heading to the provinces soon, better plan ahead and plot your routes as more and more motorists are expected to travel outside of Metro Manila this Holy Week, especially with the number coding scheme being suspended as early as tomorrow.

As for residents living in (the republic of) Makati, the city government has yet to announce whether they will suspend their own number coding scheme.