‘Color-coding’ for buses eyed

Because of the overwhelming number of public utility buses on EDSA, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is considering the introduction of an odd-even scheme.

The proposal comes as the MMDA began yesterday the temporary suspension of the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), or color-coding scheme yesterday in Metro Manila, except Makati City.

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando said he will be holding consultations with the bus operators this week to introduce the plan. Fernando admitted that the increase in the number of buses on the road has been left unchecked and has affected the traffic situation.

He pointed out that most of the buses on EDSA are operating below their capacity because of the excessive volume.

"We are considering this scheme so that buses would run on optimum capacity," Fernando said.

More than a year ago, the MMDA reported that none of the buses on EDSA are fully occupied so drivers tend to stay at terminals for longer periods to wait for passengers.

The implementation of an odd-even scheme for buses would effectively result in a 50 percent reduction in the volume of buses on EDSA, the MMDA chief said.

Bus operators previously claimed that the excess could be attributed to the presence of colorum buses, which they claimed comprise almost half of the total number of buses on EDSA. – Marvin Sy