MRT, MMDA to implement phone number coding on commuters

Due to the recent problems with heavy traffic both in EDSA and with the very long lines in the MRT during peak hours, the MMDA and MRT will begin implementing mobile phone number coding to all commuters starting today.

The Unified Commuter Number Coding Scheme will attempt to reduce traffic in MRT and LRT stations as well as buses in EDSA.

In this scheme, commuters with phone numbers ending in certain digits will not be allowed to ride any bus or MRT/LRT trains during peak hours. It follows the number coding scheme MMDA has implemented for several years.

Smart/Tank N’ Text:
1-2: Monday
3-4: Tuesday
5-6: Wednesday
7-8: Thursday
9-0: Friday

Globe/TM:
1-2: Friday
3-4: Thursday
5-6: Wednesday
7-8: Tuesday
9-0: Monday

Sun Cellular:
1-2: Saturday
3-4: Sunday
5-6: Saturday
7-8: Sunday
9-0: Saturday

The number coding scheme is in effect from 7am to 10am and 5pm to 7pm. Traffic enforcers will man bus lanes and MRT stations to check the ending number of mobile phones by commuters to enforce this.

Commuters caught violating the coding scheme will be penalized with a Php500 fine payable via Pasaload or GCash.

If a commuter is a Globe Platinum or Smart Infinity subscriber, they are exempted from the coding scheme.

This move will probably drive more people to subscribe to Platinum and Infinity plans for both telcos in order to avoid the coding scheme.

{ Photo credit: Interaksyon }