MMDA to lift window hours for number coding scheme for the holidays

THE Metro Manila Council (MMC), the policy-making body of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), approved three proposals to counter the expected heavy traffic during the holidays, including lifting the window hours for the number coding scheme.

MMDA chairman Romando Artes said that they sought the early approval of the measures so as to have them implemented should the need arise.

«There are three resolutions we forwarded and approved by MMC,» he said, adding that these «are not yet effective.»

No more window hours

Artes said that they had pushed and had gained the approval of the MMC for the removal of the window hours for the number coding scheme.

Presently the number coding starts from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the morning and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the evening.

Under the approved new scheme, the number coding will run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

No Number Coding on BSKE, Undas

Artes also said that the number coding scheme is suspended on October 30 and November 1 and 2.

He said October 30 is for the BSKE while November 1 and 2 are holidays for All Saints' and All Souls Day respectively.

Higher penalties for bus lane violators

Artes also announced an increase in penalties for violators of the EDSA Busway.

For the first offense, the new penalty will be P5,000. A repeated offense will result in P10,000 and a one-month suspension of their license.

A third offense will carry a monetary penalty of P20,000 and a one-year suspension of their driver's license. A fourth offense P30,000 and will have their licenses revoked.

Penalties for contractors

Artes said they also upped the penalties for road contractors who violate their standards or fail to comply within a certain period of time. He said that from P1,000 to P25,000, the penalties have been pegged to P15,000, P25,000 and P50,000.

Artes reiterated that while approved by the MMC, these measures will only be implemented depending on the traffic situation.

He said that traffic in Metro Manila usually worsens as Christmas approaches.