'Number Coding' for Provincial Buses Lifted from October 31-November 4

In its bid to make more commuters easily get more rides in time for All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will lift the 'number coding scheme' from October 31-November 4.

This is part of the agency’s reactivation of 'Oplan Kaluluwa 2019.'

The agency explained that the move is eyed to ferry more passengers faster going to the provinces and back.

However, it is only on November 1 that the number coding scheme for both private and public vehicles shall be lifted.

MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim said that his agency will be deploying around 2,300 personnel to ensure an orderly observation of the upcoming All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

According to him, the personnel will be manning key areas around the metropolis from October 30 until November 4 to carry out initiatives that would provide assistance to the general public.

"A no-day off, no-absent policy will be enforced among our traffic personnel enforcers on October 31, November 1 and November 4," said Lim.

Members of the MMDA's Traffic Discipline Office shall be positioned on major thoroughfares, bus terminals, and other transport hubs; and will monitor major cemeteries, including Manila North Cemetery, Manila South Cemetery, Bagbag Public Cemetery in Quezon City, Loyola Memorial Park and San Juan Public Cemetery.

"We shall conduct random, on-the-spot breathalyzer tests on bus drivers to determine whether or not they are under the influence of alcohol. Should they fail, they would not be allowed to drive unless they take a rest," Lim added.

The Road Emergency Group (REG) shall set up public assistance centers and preposition ambulances at Manila North Cemetery, Loyola Memorial in Marikina, Bagbag Pubic Cemetery, San Juan Public Cemetery, Philtranco in Pasay and Araneta Terminal Station to provide public assistance and rescue services.

The Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group (SCOG) shall provide assistance to commuters, help carry baggage of passengers at bus terminals, and ensure the orderliness of the roads and sidewalks.

The Metro Parkway Clearing Group (MPCG) shall be responsible for the cleanliness in the surroundings of cemeteries before and after November 1.

Tasked monitoring groups are members of Metrobase Command Center, Digital Media Group, and operators of the mobile Metrobase command centers — Agila 1 and Agila 2 for emergency and security surveillance operations.