Number Coding Hours in Metro Manila

Metro Manila, the Philippines’ bustling capital region, faces a constant battle with traffic congestion. To manage this, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) implements a number coding scheme, restricting the movement of certain vehicles based on their license plate numbers during specific times.

Understanding the Number Coding in Manila

The Number Coding Scheme within Metro Manila is a strategic traffic management initiative that targets a significant reduction, aiming for a 20% decrease in traffic volume during morning and afternoon/evening peak hours. The MMDA guarantees that motorists adhere to the regulations, administering penalties for violations, and granting exemptions for eligible vehicles.

The core objective of the Number Coding Scheme is to limit vehicles on the road during specific hours, primarily from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. These hours coincide with rush hour, making the scheme implementation even more impactful.

The coding day assigned to a vehicle hinges on the last digit of its license plate number. Motorists must grasp the correlation between their vehicle’s plate number and the designated coding days unless they hold valid exemptions to the coding regulations. Here is the coding Schedule for vehicles traveling around Metro Manila:

• Monday: Plates ending in 1 & 2
• Tuesday: Plates ending in 3 & 4
• Wednesday: Plates ending in 5 & 6
• Thursday: Plates ending in 7 & 8
• Friday: Plates ending in 9 & 0

Exempted Vehicles in Number Coding

Several categories of vehicles and citizens are exempted from the Number Coding Scheme. Understanding the breadth of these exemptions is essential for both vehicle owners and commuters. The following vehicles are exempted from the coding restrictions:

• Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs): This includes tricycles, ensuring that essential modes of public transportation remain accessible.
• Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS): Ride-hailing services fall under this category, recognizing their importance in providing alternative commuting options.
• Motorcycles: Two-wheelers enjoy exemption, acknowledging their efficiency in navigating through traffic.
• Specialized Trucks: Garbage, fuel, and fire trucks are exempted, recognizing their importance in maintaining public services.
• Marked Government and Media Vehicles: Vehicles with distinct markings from government and media institutions are exempted, acknowledging their importance in public service and news coverage.
• Goods Transport: Vehicles carrying essential or perishable goods are exempted to the continuous supply of necessities.
• Medical Practitioners: Doctors holding valid and updated Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) licenses enjoy exemption, recognizing they are essential healthcare.
• Eco-Friendly Vehicles: Electric and hybrid vehicles, certified by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), are exempted, promoting environmentally conscious modes of transportation.

Note that the abovementioned exemption list does not apply to vehicles in Makati City. Vehicle owners in this area need to adhere strictly to the coding regulations, emphasizing the localized nature of these traffic management measures.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Motorists found violating the coding regulations in Metro Manila face penalties and fines. The severity of these fines depends on the nature of the violation. For instance, driving on a coding day incurs a Php 1,000 penalty for the first offense, Php 2,000 for the second offense, and Php 3,000 for subsequent offenses.

On the other hand, disregarding traffic signs and signals results in a Php 2,000 penalty for the first offense, Php 3,000 for the second offense, and Php 4,000 for subsequent offenses.

The MMDA employs various cutting-edge methods to guarantee compliance with the Number Coding Scheme. In a tech-savvy approach, CCTV cameras, digital cameras, and similar gadgets are strategically placed across Metro Manila.

These devices capture images and videos of drivers who breach traffic laws, providing concrete evidence for identification and subsequent apprehension of violators. This section examines the efficiency of these technological tools in maintaining order on Manila’s bustling roads.

Affected Areas of the Number Coding Scheme

Known as the backbone of Metro Manila’s traffic, EDSA takes center stage in implementing the Number Coding Scheme. This road, traversing the length of the metropolis, regulates vehicular movement during designated hours.

C5 is another major thoroughfare subject to the coding scheme. As a key circumferential road, it contributes significantly to the traffic flow in Metro Manila. Key expressways like C6, Roxas Boulevard, South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), and Marcos Highway also fall under the umbrella of the Number Coding Scheme.

The coding scheme extends its influence to prominent boulevards and avenues such as Recto Avenue, Quirino Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas Avenue, Bonifacio Avenue, Rizal Avenue, Quezon Avenue, and Taft Avenue. These urban arteries are integral to the city’s transportation network, and the coding scheme regulates traffic flow.

While generally not having a citywide coding scheme, Muntinlupa City adopts the MMDA’s coding regulations for specific roads. Areas such as Ayala-Alabang National Road and Alabang-Zapote Road corner Buencamino and North Gate adhere to the MMDA’s coding guidelines.

Pasay City implements a coding scheme for private vehicles from 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM, with a window period from 10 AM to 4 PM. However, certain thoroughfares like Domestic Road, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, MIA Road, Sales Road, and segments of Airport Road and Buendia (Gil Puyat) are exempt from this coding regulation.

Practical Tips for Motorists

Harness the power of collaboration by carpooling with friends or colleagues whose vehicles have different coding days. This reduces the number of vehicles on the road during coding hours and fosters a sense of community among commuters facing similar challenges. Public transit options such as the MRT or LRT also offer a reliable means of navigating the city without the constraints of the coding scheme.

Leverage the designated window hours for unrestricted travel. These strategic time slots, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, allow moving freely even on coding days. Regularly check the MMDA website for changes or announcements regarding the Number Coding Scheme. Utilize smartphone apps like the MMDA Traffic Navigator for real-time traffic updates and quick access to your coding schedule.