27-05-2025
MMDA clarifies: Odd-even scheme to replace number coding on EDSA
The odd-even scheme will replace the number coding scheme on EDSA when its rebuilding starts in June, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) explained on Tuesday.
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes issued the clarification after announcing Monday that beginning June 16, an odd-even scheme would be implemented exclusively on EDSA for a brief dry run.
This means vehicles with license plates ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9) would not be allowed on the national thoroughfare on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while vehicles with even-number license plates (ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8) would be banned on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
EDSA and several other major roads in the National Capital Region currently use the Expanded Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or the number coding scheme, which bars vehicles from using the roads on one day depending on the last number on their license plates, except during window hours in most cities.
Netizens complained that if the odd-even scheme is combined with the number coding program, many motorists would not be able to use EDSA four days out of the week. Artes said this would not be the case.
''Yung isang beses na lang nila magagamit 'yung sasakyan nila sa EDSA? Hindi po ganun. Hindi siya on top, it will replace. So sa EDSA, ang magru-rule na d'yan, 'yung odd-even. On other roads, 'yung regular na number coding,' Artes told GMA Integrated News.
(The idea that they would only be able to use their vehicle on one day on EDSA? It won't be like that. It won't be on top of the number coding, it will replace it. So on EDSA, the odd-even scheme will prevail. On other roads, the regular number coding is still in place.)
Artes also said that the MMDA has extended the program's dry run to one month to sync with the Department of Transportation's proposal to waive toll fees on certain segments of the Skyway in July when the rebuilding would be in full swing.
He added that this would also allow them to collect data to study to determine whether window hours on EDSA would be feasible.
'Pag nakita po natin na pag 10 p.m. na lumuluwag na, baka pwede tayong mag-window ng 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.,' he said.
(If we see that traffic starts lightening at 10 p.m., we might implement window hours of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.)
Exempted from the odd even scheme are hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and transport network service vehicles (TNVS)—as well as motorcycles, whether private or with ride-hailing companies.
MMDA has issued rerouting plans when EDSA begins rebuilding @gmanews @24OrasGMA — Joseph Morong ???????? (@Joseph_Morong) May 27, 2025
The MMDA has also released traffic rerouting schemes. The EDSA rebuilding will start on June 13 and is expected to be finished in 2027.
But Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan said they would endeavor to finish the EDSA bus lane by the end of the year given that it caters to thousands of commuters daily. — BM, GMA Integrated News
