ENFORCING a 7 a.m.-7 p.m. number coding scheme in the capital region is a likely option for the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to prevent a “carmageddon” during the holiday season, but for now, vehicles will be free to use the roads on during the 10:01 a.m.-4:59 p.m. window hours.
“We expect 15% to 20% additional vehicle volume as the holiday nears, that’s the time we will decide whether or not to implement the 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. number coding scheme,” MMDA Acting Chairman Romando S. Artes told a press conference on Wednesday.
He added that before making a decision, the MMDA will first assess the traffic situation along Metro Manila roads from Nov. 6 to 12, when vacationers return from provinces for the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days break.
Earlier, the Metro Manila Commission (MMC) approved a resolution for the suspension of the window hours for restricted vehicles to control the expected huge volume of traffic in the weeks rolling into the holiday season. In the meantime, Mr. Artes said the current number coding hours will still be observed.
The MMDA also announced increased fines for motorists illegally driving along the exclusive bus lane along EDSA as the authority noted that private vehicles repeatedly disregard the rules.
The fine was increased to P5,000 for the first offense, a big jump from the former P1,000 for each offense for using the EDSA carousel.
The penalty for the second offense went up to P10,000 and a one-month suspension of driver’s license. Drivers will also be required to undergo a road safety seminar.
A fine of P20,000 and a one-year suspension of license will be imposed on drivers for the third offense.
Meanwhile, the MMDA said that it will suspend the operation of the Pasig River Ferry Service from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2. Operation of the ferry service will resume by Nov. 3. — Jomel R. Paguian