More traffic schemes mulled but council decides- mayor

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY – Other traffic schemes for jeepneys, both within the city and out-of-town trunklines now depend on the city council, Mayor Reinaldo Bautista, Jr. said.

But he doubts the implementation of new schemes given the legislative process involved. He, however said he hopes the next administration will improve on what he has started as to traffic reduction at the Central Business District.

The mayor said this in response to a media query if he would favor having the odd-even scheme over the number coding scheme for public utility jeepneys (PUJs).

There was a significant decrease in the number of PUJs entering the CBD when traffic coding schemes for out-of-town jeepneys were implemented.

Drivers however dissented when a combination scheme was implemented, rendering them only three earning days and four rest days for their vehicles.

After one week of experimenting on the double coding scheme, however, the mayor conceded that “one scheme is enough,” as “no traffic would mean we are in trouble.”

With the odd-even scheme, PUJs with plate numbers ending in 1,3,5,7,9 are not allowed to enter CBD on Mondays-Wednesdays and Fridays; while those with plate numbers ending in 2,4,6,8 and 0 shall not be allowed on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Sundays are considered free days.

For the number coding scheme, plate numbers ending in 1 and 2 are not allowed inside the CBD on Mondays, 3 and 4 on Tuesdays, 5 and 6 on Wednesdays, 7 and 8 on Thursdays, and 9 and 0 on Fridays. This scheme allows Saturdays and Sundays as free days.

For now, some out-of-town jeepney trunklines are either on an odd-even scheme, 1-2 scheme, while one-day-one-trip PUJS are on number coding schemes; for a sixty day experiment. Trancoville and Aurora Hill jeepneys are also on experimental odd-even coding scheme; which has contributed to the further decrease in traffic volume along city roads.

Taxi units were also proposed to be under a coding scheme, but no final order has been given.

The mayor earlier ordered experimental schemes for other city roads, to ease traffic chokepoints and lessen vehicle volume specially at the CBD. Said schemes were implemented to see how traffic problems could be resolved, and that “everybody’s convenience is on our agenda,” the mayor earlier stated.

As to Bokawkan road, Mayor Bautista, Jr. clarified that only the city council through another ordinance could revoke or amend the earlier ordinance passed a few years ago banning the entry of jeepneys at the said CBD-bound road.