MMDA extends implementation of ‘no window hours number coding scheme’ until January 31, 2017

(Photo: MMDA/Facebook)

MANILA—The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has extended the implementation of the ‘no window hours’ traffic scheme for private vehicles until January 31, 2017 to further ease the traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

The agency is also considering to permanently lift the window hours as it has improved travel time along EDSA and other major thoroughfares in the metropolis.

“The MMDA will present the proposal for the extension of the implementation of expanded no window hours to the Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (I-ACT) for their next meeting,” MMDA public information officer Dennis Carcamo said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

The expanded no window hour policy is being implemented from 7a.m. to 8p.m. in all radial and circumferential roads in Metro Manila.

MMDA General Manager Thomas Orbos recently said that travel time was reduced by almost half an hour despite an increase in the number of vehicles plying EDSA because of the implementation of the no window hours as well as the ban on provincial buses through its nose in nose out policy.

He also stated that the policy banning shopping malls from holding weekend sales will also be reviewed and discussed with stakeholders.

Mall owners have agreed to extend their mall operating hours as well as not to conduct weekday sales until January 9, 2017 in preparation for the influx of shoppers during the Christmas season.