The number of vehicles passing through Epifanio de los Santos Avenue or EDSA reached 417,000 on 24 November, exceeding the pre-pandemic level of 405,000.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Romando Artes said the surge in EDSA vehicle volume may be due to the easing of restrictions and the approaching holiday season.

Artes added the MMDA has put in place measures to address the expected continuing increase in the number of vehicles on the road in the metro and the resulting heavy traffic.

The MMDA has been implementing the so-called numbers coding scheme, barring vehicles from the road depending on their license plates' ending number, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Covered by the scheme are vehicles with ending plates 1 and 2, Monday, 3 and 4, Tuesday; 5 and 6, Wednesday; 7 and 8, Thursday; and 9 and 0, Friday.

Artes said they are also continuing road-clearing operations in the Mabuhay Lanes, alternatives to the primary roads in Metro Manila.

He urged the public to use mass transport systems, including trains, buses and jeepneys.