Easy explainer of how new MMDA Odd-Even Scheme for EDSA Rebuild will affect you

By now, the proposed Odd-Even Scheme of the MMDA for the duration of the EDSA Rebuild is making the rounds all over the internet. Here are all the details that we know of thus far, and we’re making an article out of it just to make it easy for all of you, our dear readers, to keep yourselves updated on what’s been proposed, how it will be implemented, and how it will affect every vehicle owner in the Metro.

Details of the Odd-Even Scheme that MMDA proposed to help ease EDSA Rebuild traffic

Now, we know that the Odd-Even scheme looks overwhelming, but it really isn’t. The image that you see above indicates the days on which a license plate’s last number is “Coding” according to the rules of the UVVRP, and it also shows the additional days on which the same last numbers will be prohibited from using EDSA for the duration of the EDSA Rebuild.

Here’s where it gets interesting: with the UVVRP in place, every number will only have 1 day on which it is “coded”. However, it can still be freely used (except inside Makati where coding is from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM) from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the window hours. With the addition of the Odd-Even scheme, some ending numbers will have 2 more days on which they must avoid EDSA altogether.; these can be seen in the marked days above (red cells with white font).

If it hasn’t hit you yet, depending on the last number of your vehicle’s license plate, you’re looking at at least 2 and up to 3 more days on which you have to be extra careful to avoid EDSA even if you – supposedly – can use your vehicle around the Metro’s freely.

“With the enforcement of the odd-even scheme, we are expecting a 40% reduction of vehicles along EDSA,” said MMDA Chief Romando “Don” Artes. The number coding scheme shall still be implemented on other thoroughfares in Metro Manila. Please do remember that this starts on dry run setting on 16 June 2025, and that Sundays are free for all vehicles to use, regardless of the last number of their license plates.

Another traffic mitigating measure is the banning of provincial buses and trucks carrying perishable goods, garbage trucks, and aviation fuel delivery trucks along EDSA. “They are only allowed to traverse EDSA during the 10 pm to 5 am window period. From 5 am to 10 pm, they are prohibited from traversing along EDSA,” explained Artes.

Concerned agencies have also agreed to remove the bike lane separators along EDSA. Artes said they are planning to meet with stakeholders, including cycling groups, motorcycle groups and motorcycle ride-hailing app firms to discuss possible sharing of bicycle lanes. “We are planning to put up exclusive motorcycle lanes along EDSA as riders will be prohibited from using flyovers and underpasses,” he added.

Moreover, identified alternate routes will also be cleared of illegally parked vehicles and other obstructions.

Before wrapping this up, we have encountered questions on social media about how TNVS units will be affected by both the Odd-Even Scheme. We are still exerting efforts on getting an official answer, but if we were to surmise, with regard to NCAP being used to enforce the Odd-Even scheme, when the details of the vehicle in question are reviewed/verified, we’d like to assume that the LTO records will also show that it is a TNVS unit. If it is being tagged for a Coding violation under UVVRP NCAP, then that should take away the need to issue a Notice of Violation.

Again, this is not an official answer, so do allow us some time to get a clearer explanation from the MMDA.

For now, this is all the available information that we have. Do take the time to study and remember them. Yes, June 16 is still a long way ahead, but it’s always best to at the very least familiarize ourselves with new traffic rules and laws like this new Odd-Even scheme, right?

All this said, good luck to all of us during the EDSA Rebuild.