MMDA Mulls Over Expanding Current Coding Scheme

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Danilo Lim said that his agency is considering the expansion of the currently implemented coding scheme. Instead of just once a week, Lim is suggesting to extend the scheme to two days per week. Lim believes that the move will greatly reduce the number of vehicles plying Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfares, especially during rush hours.

MMDA chairman Danilo Lim ©mmda.gov.ph

Lim revealed the plan during a hearing of the House Committee on Transportation.

“There are too many cars here in Metro Manila,” Lim said during the meeting. “There are around 2.5 million to 2.6 million registered vehicles here. These numbers represent 30 percent of all vehicles registered all over the country.”

“It is very hard to address traffic in the capital because of the increasing volume of cars while the number of roads is still the same. We need to do a little sacrifice and maybe we should implement a two-day number-coding scheme every week to improve the flow of traffic in the region,” he added.

During the meeting, Lim asked support from the Metro Manila Council concerning his plans for an expanded coding scheme. The MM Council, which is composed of the Metro’s 17 mayors, is the policy-approving body of the MMDA.

Metro Manila’s traffic woes

Lim stated that the Metro’s traffic problem lies with the fact that while the National Capital Region (NCR) holds 30 percent of all registered vehicles in the nation, it only contains 5 percent of the country’s total roads.

He also said that simultaneous road constructions worsened daily traffic jams.

Lim added that the problem is compounded by the 1,000 traffic enforcers who refused to go back to work because of unpaid wages since February. An MMDA traffic enforcer receives only P6,000 monthly.

Under the current coding scheme guidelines, private cars are barred from plying the main roads once a week, depending on their license plate’s last number.

Poe expresses doubts

Senator Grace Poe ©pna.gov.ph

Senator Grace Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services, was skeptic about the benefits that a two-day coding scheme could bring. She said the public should not be treated as a guinea pig that agencies can experiment on in an attempt to address the Metro’s worsening traffic issues.

“While we want an immediate solution to the traffic problem, this should not be a ‘knee-jerk’ reaction, which will benefit only a few,” said Poe. She explained that if the plan pushed through, those with the means will only buy another vehicle.

Poe advised the MMDA to study the plan exhaustively and conduct a nationwide consultation on the subject before proceeding.

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • First-ever ‘BYD Grab Day Caravan’ puts spotlight on Seal 5 DM-i
    First-ever ‘BYD Grab Day Caravan’ puts spotlight on Seal 5 DM-i
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Inchcape PH releases Mercedes-Benz V-Class Elegance
    Inchcape PH releases Mercedes-Benz V-Class Elegance
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Latest ‘Kia Movement’ leg set this weekend
    Latest ‘Kia Movement’ leg set this weekend
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 10, 2025
  • Bentley unveils all-electric EXP 15 concept car
    Bentley unveils all-electric EXP 15 concept car
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 10, 2025
  • TMP Tech produces latest batch of technicians
    TMP Tech produces latest batch of technicians
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 10, 2025
  • Nissan Livina vs. the competition
    Nissan Livina vs. the competition
    Cesar Miguel . Today
  • Exploring the Jetour T2’s interior
    Exploring the Jetour T2’s interior
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 10, 2025
  • Suzuki XL7 Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 vs BYD Tang: tough-looking NEV options
    Suzuki XL7 Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 vs BYD Tang: tough-looking NEV options
    Paulo Papa . Jul 09, 2025
  • Explaining the different types of hybrid powertrains
    Explaining the different types of hybrid powertrains
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 07, 2025
  • Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • Honda BR-V S CVT: all about that ‘base’
    Honda BR-V S CVT: all about that ‘base’
    Paulo Papa . Jul 09, 2025
  • Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
    Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
    Paulo Papa . Jul 07, 2025
  • First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 30, 2025
  • BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    Paulo Papa . Jun 18, 2025
  • Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Paulo Papa . Jun 05, 2025