(Eagle News)– The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday (September 14) revealed that it is open to abolish the number coding scheme in Metro Manila, noting that studies show that the measure does not ease traffic at all.
“Base po sa pag aaral, yung mga number coding ay hindi naman talaga nakakatulong sa pag reduce ng volume [of vehicles] sa kalye,” DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transportation and Infrastructure Anne Lontoc said during the hearing conducted by House of Representatives Committee on Metro Manila Development.
When asked by Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting on what to do on varying number coding rules of various Metro Manila cities, Lontoc answered that the DOTr is now working on a uniform implementation of rules.
“Lalo na at isang metropolitan area tayo na magkakadugtong lang (ang mga city)…Isa sa mga gusto namin na gawin ay yung uniform implementation of traffic rules,” Lontoc explained.
Based on the study of Dr. Primitivo Cal of the University of the Philippines (UP) School of Urban and Regional Planning– which was cited by Lontoc– number coding even results to more vehicles on the road due to owners buying multiple vehicles to avoid the scheme.
According to Lontoc, DOTr is now in the process to abolish the number coding scheme and the odd-even scheme.
“Pinag-aaralan na namin ‘yan. Pareho talaga yan, pati yung odd-even scheme, they are not effective based on the studies,” she said.
She also added that the agency will introduce alternative modes of mass transport to encourage private motorist to commute.
“Ang importante talaga diyan ay ma-improve natin ang mass transport system. Kasi yun naman mga car owners kaya sila nag kokotse ay gusto nila na comfortable, alam mo kung ano oras ka dadating. Kaya we are now offering nung alternative mode [of transporation] gaya ng point-to-point bus services…kung saan wala nang hinto-hinto (ang byahe) para magsakay at on time ang pag alis ng bus kahit hindi pa puno.”
