Odd-Even Scheme on EDSA due to Rehabilitation

Government Rolls Out Initial Measures to Ease EDSA Traffic Amid Upcoming Rehabilitation to mitigate the expected congestion caused by the extensive rehabilitation of EDSA, the government has announced five initial strategies aimed at improving the experience of both commuters and motorists.

One of the key measures includes redirecting vehicles through alternate routes, specifically encouraging the use of the Skyway to bypass the affected portions of EDSA.

According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), an additional 100 buses will be deployed along the EDSA busway to incentivize commuters to use public transportation over private cars. To further increase commuter capacity, four-car train sets will be added to the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3). Additionally, all MRT-3 stations will have their X-ray scanners removed to speed up passenger entry and reduce long lines.

EDSA-Only Odd-Even Scheme

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes shared that a 24-hour odd-even vehicle scheme will be enforced exclusively on EDSA. Under this system:

• Vehicles with license plates ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9 will not be allowed on EDSA on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
• Plates ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 are restricted on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
• All vehicles may pass through EDSA on Sundays.

Chairman Artes estimated that this policy could cut the number of vehicles on EDSA by as much as 40% during the rehabilitation period.

He added that making the Skyway toll-free could further reduce traffic volume on EDSA by 10% to 20%. When combined with the odd-even scheme, these measures are projected to significantly ease congestion and improve traffic flow.

Large vehicles such as trucks and provincial buses will also be temporarily barred from using EDSA between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Further adjustments include the removal of bike lane separators along EDSA to allow for an exclusive motorcycle lane.

Cleared Alternate Routes

To further support traffic decongestion, alternate routes will be opened and kept clear through ongoing clearing operations to eliminate road obstructions.

According to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), preparatory work for the EDSA rehabilitation will begin the night of June 13, with the full project expected to continue until 2027.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon also announced that toll fees for select sections of Skyway Stage 3 will be waived starting either July or August to encourage motorists to use the alternative elevated route.