New odd-even scheme not yet for implementation, MMDA says

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday clarified that the modified odd-even will not be implemented following the decision of Metro Manila mayors to defer it pending consultation with the public.

"MMDA will not implement the modified odd-even scheme that has been proposed during the last Metro Manila Council meeting held last Tuesday, as the said scheme has been deferred by the Metro Manila mayors," the MMDA said in a statement.

"The local chief executives instructed MMDA to conduct consultative dialogues regarding the proposal with various stakeholders and to revise said proposal, if necessary," it added.

Under the proposed scheme dubbed Windows 2, vehicles are prohibited from passing through EDSA during weekdays from Magallanes in Makati City to North Avenue in Quezon City at certain time frames depending on their plate numbers.

Vehicles with plates ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) are barred from plying EDSA from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

On the other hand, vehicles with license plates ending in even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8, 0) are prohibited from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The MMDA made the clarification to  "rectify recent reports," after motorists expressed their opposition to the proposal on social media.

Meanwhile, three other vehicle volume reduction programs were proposed by the MMDA to the Metro Manila Council in its push to ease traffic congestion in the National Capital Region.

The MMDA said it plans to transfer the Southest Integrated Provincial Terminal, currently situated at Uniwide Coastal Mall in Parañaque City, which it predicts would decrease the number of buses plying EDSA by at least 1,000 units.

A uniform regulation banning at least 3,000 light trucks traversing EDSA and Shaw Boulevard during the rush hours is also being considered.

Lastly, the MMDA said it plans to expand Roxas Boulevard and the northbound lane of Baclaran in Parañaque City by "clearing and regulation of illegal terminals and illegal parking so motorists can use additional lanes along the service road."

"MMDA emphasizes that finding viable measures to address the traffic problem in Metro Manila is a continuous process and may entail drastic changes and deviation from the present norms. The agency also appealed to the public for cooperation and understanding," it said. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/KBK, GMA News