The number coding or the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) will be lifted starting Holy Tuesday, April 19, up to Good Friday, April 22.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino said the four-day suspension of UVVRP will provide motorists an unhampered mobility while going to and from the provinces during the Lenten season.
"We're also expecting that public transport terminals will have their hands full accommodating thousands of commuters. By allowing the public to freely use their vehicles, this will help lessen the strain on them," Tolentino said.
Meanwhile, Tolentino advised the public to avoid Edsa as much as possible and instead use Mabuhay Lanes, a series of alternate routes the agency has opened last December.
The Mabuhay lanes start at both North and South entry points of EDSA. For northbound motorists going south, they may use McArthur Highway, right turn to Samson Road, C-4/Letre, R-10, A. Bonifacio, Roxas Boulevard to destination.
Motorists coming from the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) can exit at various points, most importantly at the newly constructed Mindanao Avenue access ramp.
From South to North, the Mabuhay lanes start at Coastal Road and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).
During Holy Week, motorists may use the following alternate routes:
To North of Luzon
Take C-5 Road to QMC then right to Visayas Avenue, then left to Congressional Ave., then right to Mindanao Avenue, then take Mindanao-NLEX link to destination, and vice versa;
Take C-5 to QMC then right to North Avenue, right to Mindanao Avenue, then the Mindanao-NLEX link to destination
South of Luzon
Rizal province:
from Bicutan interchange take DR A. Santos Avenue then straight ahead to C-6 to destination, and vice versa
Cavite:
from South Superhighway take South Station Exit then straight ahead and take Daang Hari to destination
Tagaytay:
from South Superhighway take Sta. Rosa Exit or Greenfield Exit
The MMDA, in coordination with various agencies, has created Task Force M.A.S.S. (Metro Alalay Semana Santa) to ensure the safe and convenient movement of motorists and commuters during the Holy Week, particularly in areas identified as convergence points of travelers such as provincial bus terminals, airports, and seaports.
The Task Force, composed of about 1,000 traffic enforcers, is headed by Assistant General Manager for Operation Emerson Carlos.
On Holy Monday, April 18, up to Holy Wednesday, April 20, MMDA traffic enforcers will be posted at transport terminals and traffic choke points , and on popular churches and pilgrimages on Maundy Thursday, April 21, and good Friday, April 22.
Tolentino said Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group (SCOG) and Parking Discipline Office (PDO) teams of the MMDA will assist traffic enforcers in managing traffic in major roads and critical areas.
With this year's Holy Week coinciding with the school summer break, Tolentino said they are expecting a higher number of vacationers, which will result to traffic congestion at exit points of Metro Manila and at land, sea, and air transport terminals.
The MMDA chief assured that the agency's traffic personnel will be on hand to assist motorists and commuters. The public can also call Metrobase Hotline 136 for periodic traffic updates and requests for assistance.
The MMDA's Facebook and Twitter account will be also be open 24/7 during the Holy Week to accept and respond to inquiries.
