After temporarily suspending the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), also known as the number coding scheme, during the observance of Holy Week, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Monday that the program is now back in effect.
According to Charlie Nosares of the MMDA Metrobase, the Holy Week break is over and most travelers have already returned from the provinces, prompting the resumption of regular traffic protocols.
The number coding scheme was lifted on 9, 17, and 18 April to accommodate the expected surge of motorists during the Lenten season.
The UVVRP limits vehicle access to major roads in Metro Manila based on the last digit of their license plate numbers during peak hours from Monday to Friday — 7:00 to 10:00 AM and 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Window hours, when vehicles are allowed on the road, are from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM and from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the following day.
The coding schedule is as follows:
Monday: Plates ending in 1 and 2
Tuesday: Plates ending in 3 and 4
Wednesday: Plates ending in 5 and 6
Thursday: Plates ending in 7 and 8
Friday: Plates ending in 9 and 0
The scheme is not enforced during weekends and holidays. However, the MMDA may temporarily lift it during certain holidays, such as Holy Week, as needed.
Meanwhile, the MMDA reported moderate traffic flow in Balintawak for vehicles entering Metro Manila from NLEX. However, traffic congestion was observed along EDSA, particularly from Ayala corner EDSA to Pasay City, with slow-moving vehicles in the area. Northbound traffic on EDSA was smooth from Camp Aguinaldo to Nepa Q-Mart but began to slow upon approaching Cubao, Quezon City, where several transport terminals are located.