News update Operators reject number coding for buses

MANILA, Philippines - Bus operators on Monday opposed a plan by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to impose a number coding scheme for buses.

In an interview, vice-president Arlene Camello of the Metro Manila Bus Operators Association (MMBOA) said the government should first target "colorum" buses and vehicles on EDSA before focusing on buses with legitimate franchises.

"Before they concentrate on us, they should start with those who are operating illegally," Camello told ABS-CBN's Umagang Kay Ganda.

Camello said the MMBOA has already undergone a rationalization plan to find out how many buses are needed per route. She added, however, that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has given out too many franchises to public utility vehicles, which is the main cause of congestion on city streets.

Transportation Undersecretary Anneli Lontoc said the government is now conducting an inventory of approved franchises to weed out colorum vehicles.

The MMDA earlier said the number coding scheme could reduce the number of buses on EDSA by 20% every day.

It said that with the completion of the expanded Metro Rail Transit and Light Rail Transit, commuters are likely to prefer this faster mode of transportation.

The MMDA and the bus operators are meeting shortly to discuss the proposal