MMDA: Number coding suspended for Holy Week 2023

MANILA: The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has announced that Number Coding, also known as the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program, will be paused across Metro Manila from April 6 to April 10, 2023.

The Holy Week holidays begin on April 6 (Maundy Thursday), while Araw ng Kagitingan is observed on April 10.

The agency will implement further measures in addition to the suspension of number coding to ease transportation during the approaching holidays.

MMDA to monitor bus terminals for Holy Week 2023

The MMDA will install a multi-agency command center (MACC) at Metrobase starting on April 3. Representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and local government entities will assist it.

The MACC will keep an eye on bus terminals in particular to manage the flood of people commuting to and from the metro. Before Holy Week, terminal inspections will also be carried out.

“Through this inter-agency action center, we can monitor real-time updates on bus terminals across Metro Manila to ensure safer travel of the commuting public and orderly traffic flow in our roads as we observe the Holy Week,” MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes was quoted as saying.

Personnel to be deployed in thoroughfares, transportation hubs for Holy Week 2023

Also, starting on April 8, 2,104 soldiers will be stationed on major thoroughfares, transportation hubs, and important sites in Metro Manila as part of Oplan Metro Alalay Semana Santa 2023. On April 5, 6, and 10, when traffic congestion is anticipated to be at its worst, the MMDA will enforce a "No Day Off, No Absence Policy" among its employees.

The organization would prioritize observing the primary entry and exit points in Metro Manila. (North Luzon Expressway, South Luzon Expressway, Coastal Road, McArthur Highway, Marcos Highway, Mindanao Avenue, and A. Bonifacio) and the big churches frequented for Visita Iglesia (Redemptorist Church in Parañaque, Santo Domingo in Quezon City, San Agustin in Intramuros, and Quiapo Church in Manila).

LRT, MRT services suspended on Holy Week 2023

Finally, support desks will be set up in a few locations around Quezon City, Caloocan, Manila, and Pasay, and tow trucks and ambulance units will be available throughout major thoroughfares throughout Metro Manila. There will be no rail service over the holidays, so anyone staying in Metro Manila should be aware of this.

Photos from ZigWheels, Metro Pacific Tollways, and Hazel Nicole Carreon 

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