MMDA plans to implement modified odd-even scheme in EDSA next month

There's a new odd-even scheme being cooked under the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) that could be implemented in EDSA on April.  

According to a report by ABS-CBN, the modified odd-even scheme, which will then be named "Windows 2" as soon as it's implemented, is far from the coding scheme implemented in Pasig last December. This is mainly because the said scheme will not involve a total ban for affected vehicles. 

Aside from the existing number coding, the Windows 2 odd-even scheme will ban vehicles on EDSA every 2 hours from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

To simplify, Windows 2 will ban plates ending in odd numbers from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., while 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for even. There will be a grace period between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., then will resume at 1 to 3 p.m. (odd), 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. (even), and will keep on until 9 p.m., as explained by MMDA general manager Tim Orbos.

MMDA advises motorists to take careful note of the time they are not allowed on EDSA. If you find it confusing, notice that the temporary ban of vehicles is alternating from odd to even after every 2 hours with a grace period of 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

According to MMDA, public utility vehicles are not included in the modified odd-even scheme. On the contrary, private cars that are registered to ride-sharing services like Uber and Grab will not be exempted from the scheme, alongside other private vehicles. 

As of this writing, the MMDA has 1 month to plan the said scheme. The agency is positive about how huge it will help ease the flow of vehicles in EDSA as soon as it gets implemented. 

In addition, ABS-CBN reported that light trucks will be banned in EDSA during peak hours, starting April 4, 2017, particularly in Mandaluyong and Pasig area. This, according to MMDA, will chop off 3,000 of passing vehicles – a huge chunk to decongest traffic along EDSA.

Photo courtesy of Ramon FVelasquez.