Lifting of number-coding, deployment of more buses eyed amid weeklong transpo strike threat
The number-coding scheme in Metro Manila may be lifted on Monday should transport groups pursue their plan to hold a week-long transport strike starting March 6, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Thursday, March 2.
The move is in anticipation of the shortage of vehicles, especially that the transport groups were quoted saying that a number of drivers and operators of traditional jeepneys would join the strike.

Traditional jeepneys, amid the threat of phaseout, remain one of the major means of transportation across the country.
The transport strike, which will start on March 6 until March 12, is set by transportation groups to express opposition to the government's public utility vehicle modernization program
Aside from the possible lifting of the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or number coding scheme on Monday, MMDA chairperson Romando Artes said they are also ready to deploy more buses to assist the would-be stranded commuters.
"The MMDA will deploy buses to ferry stranded passengers should the transport strike push through next week. We shall coordinate with the Department of Transportation and Department of Interior and Local Government on the matter,” said Artes.
“We will make an announcement regarding the possible suspension of the number coding scheme tomorrow, March 3," he added.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has already extended the deadline for operators and drivers of traditional jeepneys to join or set cooperatives or corporations.
The June 30 deadline that the LTFRB set was the main reason behind the planned transport strike.