‘Color-coding’ lifted soon?

Will the color-coding scheme ever be scrapped?

According to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando, it depends largely on how quickly the agency can free up more roads for motorists.

Months after he announced that a study was being conducted by the MMDA to determine the viability of continuing the scheme, Fernando has yet to give a definite answer. The scheme, officially known as the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (VRRP), bans the use of vehicles for one day of the working week depending on the final digit on car plates.

He told a group of foreign journalists the other day that the ban could be lifted in a matter of months.

However, he explained that this depends on how fast traffic can improve based on the MMDA clearing operations.

Before the campaign began in June, sidewalk vendors, squatters and illegally parked cars had colonized public roads in the metropolis.

"We’re opening up new roads so in a few months we’ll be able to clear a significant number of roads," Fernando said.

He pointed out that when he started as MMDA Chairman, only 10 percent of the 5,000 kilometers of roads in Metro Manila are being used efficiently because of all the obstructions.

Fernando said that he is looking at a target of 20 percent before the car ban could be lifted.

With the help of the local government units, Fernando said three percent of roads has been freed up. Five of the 17 LGUs in Metro Manila have been declared sidewalk vendor-free, namely Navotas, Mandaluyong City, Marikina City, Pateros and Muntinlupa City.

"Now we need only seven percent more. If we sustain or double our efforts then we can accomplish this faster. This should serve as an incentive to motorists," Fernando said as he encouraged the public to participate in the clearing efforts of the MMDA.

Once the target is reached, Fernando said that a gradual lifting of the scheme would be implemented starting with selected areas in Metro Manila.

However, not all LGUs are excited about the possible lifting of the scheme, particularly Makati City and Mandaluyong City which have huge volume of vehicles moving in and out on a daily basis.

Fernando said opening up private subdivision roads to the public could also contribute in easing traffic in the metropolis.

He estimated that the entire metropolis would be cleared of all obstructions in five years.