Number Coding

        Monday is my number coding day as the last digit of my plate number is 1.

        If you’re buying a brand new car, you could choose your number coding day by requesting LTO, through your dealer, for the last digit of your plate number.

        I chose Monday (last digit of 1 or 2).  Hence, I’d be forced to leave at least one (1) hour earlier, thus avoiding the traffic.  Otherwise, I have to commute and avoid driving through traffics.

        Today, I woke up at 4:15 AM and left at around 5:15 AM.  I dropped my daughter, Jaja, off in front of KFC near her office building along F. Ortigas Avenue (formerly Emerald Avenue), Ortigas Center.  I arrived at my parking slot (3^rd basement of our office building) at around 6:15 AM.  Then, I slept in the car for about 45 minutes.

        The Number Coding Scheme (or Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program – UVVRP) has been re-implemented in Metro Manila since March 1, 2003 by Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) hoping to solve the worsening traffic situation, especially during peak hours.  It prohibits the operation of certain vehicles on all roads in Metro Manila.  It covers all private and public utility vehicles, except provincial buses, shuttle buses, school buses and motorcycle units.

        The period covered is from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.  Private vehicles are allowed to travel during window hours from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, except in the cities of Makati, Pasay, & San Juan.

Schedule of Number Coding

            Day                  Plates Ending in

        Monday                       1 & 2

        Tuesday                     3 & 4

        Wednesday                5 & 6

        Thursday                     7 & 8

        Friday                           9 & 0

Exempted

• Ambulance, firetrucks, police patrol cars, military vehicles
• Vehicles commandeered by the government directed by a person in authority or his agent/or by a medical practitioner for military relief or emergency purposes
• Vehicles carrying person’s needing immediate medical attention
• Diplomatic vehicles with diplomatic plates
• Government vehicles with government plates or appropriate LTO stickers or markings expressly showing the name of the agency or office
• Duly enfranchised school buses and company shuttle service vehicles

Penalty: Confiscation of driver’s license, fine of P300.00 to be paid at redemption center.

(Sources:  MMDA & Trapik.com)

Baguio City is also implementing its own Number Coding scheme. (Sun Star Baguio – 6/12/07)

        At exactly 7:00 PM, I hit the road.  The traffic along EDSA was heavy from Buendia to Ortigas Avenue and from Crame to Kamias Road.  After almost 2 hours, I honked twice to announce that I’m home.