One thing that will sure serve as a reminder you are residing in Manila is the heavy traffic, which has become a regular part of a Filipino commuter's life. The dreaded peak hour and the heavily congested roads in Metro Manila have caused such a hooha. The number of vehicles that are lined up like ants, are longer than the patience adhering to your nerves.
Without a doubt, the worsening traffic situation in Manila can make you want to sing "Welcome to the Jungle". Then came the Number Coding Scheme, which was referred to as the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program. It was previously mistaken as the Color Coding Scheme and drivers in Metro Manila are pretty much aware of this ordinance.
The Number Coding Scheme came to existence to address the problems with the traffic situation in Metro Manila. The scheme took effect in March 2003 and it is said to manage traffic situation by means of reducing the number of vehicles on the street. A certain plate number is barred from traveling in Metro Manila in a particular day. For instance, plates ending in 1 and 2 are prohibited on the streets on Monday between 7 AM to 7 PM. Window hours may also apply depending on the city.
The Number Coding Scheme can make or break your day. For a regular commuter, it can either be relieving or traumatizing. The scheme does not apply during weekends and holidays. Any rule has an exception and the Number Coding Scheme also applies some especially on special cases and emergencies. If a vehicle has a passenger that requires immediate medical attention, the Number Coding Scheme will no longer be necessary.
Even doctors and other medical practitioners can also apply to be excused from the Number Coding Scheme. There are also cities in Metro Manila that exempt senior citizens from following the scheme. In Makati, senior citizens with BLU card no longer need to adhere to this rule. If caught, all they need to do is to present the BLU card.
Guidelines on this scheme have already been updated, but until now, the problems with traffic in Metro Manila remain the same. Now, if you don't want to get stuck in a nightmarish peak-hour routine, stay cooped up in your room if it is unnecessary to go out. Unfortunately, people who need to go to work have to bear with the endless and torturous toing and froing.
It's going to be a normal routine for you unless you decide to escape the concrete jungle and choose to live in a place away from the distractions and demands of a modern city. Indeed, it is a love-hate relationship with Metro Manila due to heavy traffic. Manila: love it, leave it.
