The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will suspend the number coding scheme next week to allow the riding public to travel for the All Saints’ Day break.
MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim said that the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) for provincial buses will be lifted on October 31, Thursday, and November 4, Monday, in order to accommodate more passengers heading to their provinces.
The number coding scheme will automatically be lifted on November 1, Friday, for both private and public vehicles.
The MMDA will deploy around 2,3000 personnel from October 30 to November 4 to assist people going to cemeteries around Metro Manila.
Lim said he will forbid enforcers from taking a day off or being absent during the period.
“A no-day off, no-(absence) policy will be enforced among our traffic enforcers on October 31, November 1 and November 4,” Lim said.
The agency has also deployed personnel from the Traffic Discipline Office on major thoroughfares, bus terminals, and even major cemeteries such as the Manila North Cemetery, Manila South Cemetery, Bagbag Public Cemetery in Quezon City, Loyola Memorial Park, and San Juan Public Cemetery.
“We shall conduct random on-the-spot breathalyzer tests on bus drivers to determine whether or not they are under the influence of alcohol. Should they fail, they would not be allowed to drive unless they take a rest,” Lim said.
The MMDA’s Road Emergency Group (REG) will also set up public assistance centers and proposition ambulances at the major cemeteries to render rescue services.
The Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group meanwhile will assist commuters and ensure order on the roads and sidewalks, while the Metro Parkway Clearing Group will clean the surroundings of the cemeteries. – Marc Jayson Cayabyab
