While it is yet to finalize the re-imposition of the number coding on public utility buses (PUBs) being opposed by bus operators, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is considering the removal of window hour.

MMDA Chairman Oscar Inocentes said the phasing out of the window hour is one of the schemes to further lessen the volume of vehicles in major thoroughfares, a scheme being implemented in Makati and San Juan City, which observe the full 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. restrictions. “We are still studying to remove the 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. window hour which allows vehicles to travel,” said Inocentes.

In Makati City, the removal of window hour makes vehicle reduction a sound traffic management policy, with a sheer volume of vehicles on Makati’s roads during work days, placed at over 800,000.

However, Inocentes admitted that many parents who fetch their children oppose the removal of the window hour, part of the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) program regulating the operation of certain vehicles in the metropolis.

“Parents are recommending that window hour be reduced to 10 to 2 pm to be able to fetch their children, “ Inocentes stressed.

During the Metro Manila Council meeting Thursday, agency officials failed to discuss with the Metro Manila mayors the re-imposition of the number coding scheme on buses. Thus, bus operators would still enjoy their exemption from the UVVRP program.

The MMDA reported that fewer passengers are patronizing buses, thus their number must be removed as they only add up to congestion. There are approximately 4,000 PUBs plying Edsa and other major thoroughfares daily.

The UVVRP will even help bus companies reduce its expenses on fuel and vehicle maintenance by reducing the number of buses they operate per day.

If it would be implemented, number of buses a day will be reduced by at least 20 percent, which would mean much in easing traffic on major roads.