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by James Konstantin Galvez Reporter
DESPITE the decrease in the
number of vehicles traversing the metropolis because of the
skyrocketing fuel prices, the Metropolitan Manila Development
Authority (MMDA) is still not keen on lifting the number-coding
scheme.
“We are yet to see significant
decrease in the volume of traffic despite rising fuel prices,”
MMDA General Manager Robert Nacianceno said.
Since January 2008, diesel and
gasoline prices have increased by P16 per liter from to weekly oil
price hikes. Oil companies have repeatedly justified the unstoppable
increase by citing the runaway prices of crude oil in the world
market.
Nacianceno’s comments came
after Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Chairman
Sergio Ortiz-Luis said that there may be no more need for the
number-coding scheme with the dwindling number of vehicles using the
roads.
A report from the Department of
Energy revealed that the number of cars used in Metro Manila went
down by 10 percent in June, but Nacianceno argued that the figures
are still not enough to lift the scheme.
“Even a 20-percent decrease in
vehicle volume count would not surely ease traffic. Furthermore,
such proposal would need to go thorough a comprehensive study in
coordination with the local government units and the transport
sector,” Nacianceno said.
“As soon as our office gets a
copy of their [PCCI’s] proposal, then we can talk about it,”
Nacianceno added.
Authorities also said that
lifting the scheme would add another 20 percent to the current
volume of vehicle plying the metropolis. And noted that public
transport operators and drivers have advised against lifting the
number-coding system.
“The public utility operators
are comfortable with the present system because can afford to make
more trips while dealing with less traffic,” Nacianceno said.
Under the scheme, vehicles with
plate numbers ending with 1 and 2 are banned on the streets on
Monday; ending with 3 and 4 on Tuesday, ending with 5 and 6 on
Wednesday, ending with 7 and 8 on Thursday; and ending with 9 and 0
on Friday.
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