MMDA eyes modified 'odd-even' on EDSA

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is considering a modified odd-even number coding scheme for private vehicles plying EDSA in the coming months, GMA News' Oscar Oida reported on "24 Oras" said Wednesday.

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.

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.

MMDA general manager Tim Orbos said the new scheme allows motorists to use their vehicles daily, instead of the once a week number coding scheme under the unified vehicular volume reduction program.

"You use your car every two hours which means from 7 to 9, kunwari odd yan, gagamitin mo odd, 9 to 11 even, and then odd, even, odd, even [the following hours]... ganon po. Ang idea natin dito magagamit mo na yung kotse mo araw-araw pero planuhin mo yung araw mo," Orbos said.

According to a study conducted by the MMDA, Orbos said travel speed along EDSA would increase from 19 kph to 40 kph if the new scheme is implemented.

"This will equate to around 45 percent drop of vehicles in EDSA," he said.

The MMDA is still studying if ride-sharing services such as Grab and Uber will be covered by the modified odd-even scheme, the report said.

Meanwhile, Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership secretary general Alberto Suansing said he is unsure ABOUT the effectivity of the scheme since there is no data how many vehicles have license plates whose last number is either odd or even.

"Sa papel, mukhang maayos yun, but then ang actual test, yun ang di pa natin alam. Dahil hindi natin eksaktong alam kung ilan ang odd numbered vehicles at even numbered vehicles," Suansing said.

The report said the MMDA would first conduct public consultations on the potential effects of Windows 2, as required by the Metro Manila Council (MMC) or the 17 city and municipal mayors of the metropolis.

The MMC also requires the MMDA to clear its network of Mabuhay Lanes to provide motorists better alternative routes, the report added. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/JST, GMA News