MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority or MMDA is pushing for a number coding scheme for buses.

The number coding fis being proposed by the MMDA to reduce traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

This means that buses can only be allowed to operate on days when they are not covered by coding.

About 4,000 buses ply the EDSA route daily, Metro Manila's main thoroughfare.

The scheme, if approved, will substantially reduce traffic in EDSA, as about 20% of buses will be off the streets daily.

The MMDA 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.