The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has suspended the odd-even number-coding scheme on EDSA. This decision comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. halted the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) rehabilitation project.
Photo: Philippine News Agency
The MMDA had previously announced that the 24-hour odd-even scheme would begin on June 16 to reduce vehicle volume during the planned reconstruction of the avenue. This rehabilitation was set to start on June 13, 2025, and last until 2027. Hybrid vehicles, electric cars, and Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) were to be exempt from the supposed coding scheme, but now it has been cancelled.
“Pursuant to the directive of the President, the MMDA will suspend the imposition of the odd-even scheme, which was part of the traffic management plan that was laid down, intended to decongest EDSA before the looming rebuild,” MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes stated. “The postponement will give us time to look for other traffic mitigating options for the EDSA Rebuild, which will be less than burdensome to motorists and [the] commuting public.”
The MMDA will continue to enforce the existing number coding scheme (Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program or UVVRP). This means the standard coding rules based on the last digit of license plates, effective during specific hours on weekdays, remain in place.
Meanwhile, a statement by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) read, “The President has ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and other concerned agencies to further study and concretize plans on how to better implement the EDSA rebuild by speeding up its construction to six (6) months using modern technology to minimize the inconvenience the EDSA rebuild will bring to the Filipino people.”
It added, “President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. felt the pulse and listened to the Filipino people, and ordered a whole-of-government approach in implementing effective and modern ways to speed up the EDSA rebuild.”
The DOTr also commits to working with its partner agencies to achieve the President’s mandate. “Sisiguruhin ng DOTr na makikipagtulungan ang ahensiya sa mga partner agencies upang matupad ang kautusan ng Pangulo na pagaanin at pabilisin ang biyahe ng mga komyuter at motorista,” it said. (“The DOTr will ensure its cooperation with partner agencies to fulfill the President’s order to ease and speed up travel for commuters and motorists.”)
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