Source: Wikipedia Commons 

It’s always good news to know how the country is now going back to normal. More and more establishments are opening and more and more people are going out, thus, it is inevitable for traffic to worsen.

After two years of suspending the number coding scheme, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has resumed the implementation of the modified Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP). Here’s a quick guide for you as we enter a more relaxed Alert Level 1 in the country.

The Number Coding Scheme

The number coding scheme aims to ease the traffic conditions in Metro Manila. Basically, it puts a limitation on the number of cars that enter the roads of the city. This restriction anchors on the rule of banning cars with a particular plate number ending. Below is the schedule per plate number ending:

Unlike in the past, MMDA has not yet fully activated the number coding scheme. As of writing, it is only implemented on strategic timeslots, particularly during the rush hour period of 5 to 8 pm from Monday to Friday. There is still no news on when the original guidelines will take place. However, there had been talks that the MMDA is in the process of discussing the resumption of the original implementation hours, which also covers 7 am to 9 am. Keep in mind that the number coding scheme won’t be enforced during weekends and holidays. 

With these rules in place, the authorities expect that there will be a reduction of 2,700 vehicles on a per hour basis.

The Number Coding Coverage

The number coding scheme covers the following areas:

1. EDSA
2. C5
3. C6
4. Araneta Avenue
5. Recto Avenue
6. Quirino Avenue
7. Taft Avenue
8. South Luzon Expressway
9. Roxas Boulevard
10. Ortigas Avenue
11. Aurora Boulevard
12. Shaw Boulevard
13. Magsaysay Boulevard
14. Marcos Highway
15. Rizal Avenue
16. Del Pan
17. Bonifacio Avenue

Most cities in the metro follow the technicalities of the number coding scheme as well. Only a couple of areas, such as Makati and Mandaluyong, do not apply this. Makati City has its own number coding scheme which is applied from 7 am to 7 pm while Muntinlupa only executes the said guidelines on the Alabang-Zapote road.

The Number Coding Exception

There are a couple of exceptions under the number coding scheme. As starters, public utility vehicles (PUV), motorcycles, and transport network vehicle services (TNVS) are exempted from these rules. Utility vehicles like fuel trucks, dump trucks, or vehicles carrying perishable goods are also not covered by the rules. 

Aside from the vehicles mentioned above, there are also a couple of people that are exempted from the number coding. Senior citizens, medical personnel, and those individuals who are driving people with special needs area are also covered by the exemption as long as their exemption request has been approved. 

With this in mind, the underlying question is how does an individual apply for exemption under the number coding? All you have to do is follow the steps below:

1. Send a request letter addressed to the Office of the Chairman of MMDA. The address to be placed is MMDA Main Building, EDSA corner Orense St. Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City.
2. Include your car’s Certificate of Registration and Official Receipt along with the letter.
3. Pay the Php 1,000 exception fee to the Treasury Department of MMDA once this has been authorized.

The said exemption will only cover either January 1 to June 30 (Half 1) or July 1 to December 31 (Half 2), depending on where the date of application is nearest. 

With this, it is vital for you to always remember when your car is due for the number coding scheme. If not followed, you’ll have to shoulder a Php 300 fine that should be paid within seven days.