The Metro Manila Development Authority is studying expanding the unified vehicular volume reduction program to keep vehicles off major roads two days a week and the proposal has been met with criticism.
“Are you talking with Madam Auring again? Stop using the crystal ball and do real work!,” Twitter user Jon Cruz said, referring perhaps to the apparent guess work that the MMDA is doing.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun had this message for the MMDA: “Before you start another harebrained traffic scheme like Expanded Coding, clear the roads and sidewalks like what Bayani Fernando did.” She was referring to a former MMDA chairman known for his tough love approach to traffic and pedestrian discipline.
Critics of the proposal said the expanded number-coding scheme will not solve the problem of undisciplined bus and jeepney drivers who ignore designated loading and unloading zones. Others said wealthy motorists will merely buy new cars, and those that can’t will have to deal with a public transportation system that is cramped, inefficient, and unsafe.
MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said expanding the coding scheme, which is based on the last number on a vehicle’s license plate, will improve traffic on EDSA by 40 percent. The Metro Manila Council. which comprises the mayors of Metro Manila’s 16 cities and one town, have yet to decide on the proposal.
