Pre-pandemic number coding scheme
PSA for those driving in Metro Manila this holiday season: The number coding scheme implemented before the COVID-19 lockdowns will return soon, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
The scheme will run daily from 7AM to 7PM and will be implemented in major roads. However, the MMDA has yet to announce a definite date for the implementation.
The 12-hour number coding scheme was suspended in March 2020 and has gone through several adjustments until August 2022,
 Schedules and roads involved
Traffic along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.
Image credit: Joey O. Razon via Wikimedia Commons
Vehicles with plate numbers ending in specific numbers face restrictions on certain days in Metro Manila. On Mondays, those ending in 1 and 2 are prohibited; Tuesdays, 3 and 4; Wednesdays, 5 and 6; Thursdays, 7 and 8; and Fridays, 9 and 0.
Here’s a list of roads where the number coding scheme will be implemented:
- Recto Avenue or C-1
- Quirino Avenue or C-2
- Araneta Avenue or C-3
- EDSA or C-4
- C. P. Garcia Avenue or C-5
- Roxas Boulevard or R-1
- Taft Avenue or R-2
- SLEX or R-3
- Shaw Boulevard or R-4
- Ortigas Avenue or R-5
- Magsaysay Boulevard and Aurora Boulevard or R-6
- Quezon Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue or R-7
- A. Bonifacio Avenue or R-8
- Rizal Avenue or R-9
- Road 10 or Mel Lopez Boulevard.
- Alabang-Zapote Road in Las Piñas and Muntinlupa City,
- Samson Road and A. Mabini Street in Caloocan City
- Marcos Highway
- MacArthur Highway
Vehicles exempted from the scheme
PUVs such as jeepneys and buses are exempted from the scheme.
Image credit: Joey O. Razon via Wikimedia Commons
Public utility vehicles and transport network vehicle service (TNVS) are exempted from the number coding scheme.
This exemption also extends to motorcycles, electric and hybrid vehicles, garbage trucks, fuel trucks, fire trucks, ambulances, marked media vehicles, registered and marked government vehicles, as well as vehicles transporting essential and perishable goods.
Number coding scheme is back for the holidays
MMDA projects that the 12-hour number coding scheme would reduce the car volume in Metro Manila’s major roads by 20 percent. So, motorists, take note of this upcoming change to have a breezy holiday drive!
To avoid the traffic, get your Christmas decorations from these online Christmas decor shops in the Philippines. And speaking of reinstating, check out these Filipino Christmas traditions you might want to reintroduce to your family’s holiday celebrations.
Cover image adapted from: Joey O. Razon via Wikimedia Commons