The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will conduct a one-month dry run of the 24-hour Odd-Even scheme starting June 16, 2025 along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA).
According to the MMDA, while no tickets will be issued and violators will not be fined during the dry run, motorists who violate the policy will receive notifications within the month as part of an information campaign.
The agency is encouraging the public to comply with the policy, as it will help gather traffic data and assess the scheme's effectiveness during the EDSA Rebuild.
Under the scheme, vehicles with license plates ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) will not be allowed to use EDSA on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Conversely, vehicles with even-numbered plates (2, 4, 6, 8, 0) will be prohibited on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes said the initiative is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to manage traffic and implement mitigating measures to prevent a potential "carmageddon" during the EDSA reconstruction.
Artes said that with this scheme, a 40% reduction in the number of vehicles along EDSA is anticipated.
Aside from the Odd-Even scheme, another traffic mitigation measure involves banning provincial buses, trucks carrying perishable goods, garbage trucks, and aviation fuel delivery trucks from using EDSA. These vehicles will only be allowed to traverse the highway during the 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. window. From 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., they will be prohibited from using the thoroughfare.
Moreover, the MMDA said concerned agencies have also agreed to remove the bike lane separators along EDSA.
"We are planning to put up exclusive motorcycle lanes along EDSA as riders will be prohibited from using flyovers and underpasses," Artes said during a press briefing on Monday.
Artes added that they are planning to meet with stakeholders, including cycling groups, motorcycle organizations, and ride-hailing app firms, to discuss the possibility of shared use of the bicycle lanes.
Identified alternate routes will also be cleared of illegally parked vehicles and other obstructions.
Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said other measures to be implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) include adding units to the EDSA Bus Carousel to encourage more commuters to take public buses; deploying additional trains to MRT-3; and waiving toll fees on certain sections of Skyway Stage 3, in coordination with the Toll Regulatory Board and San Miguel Corporation.
The two-year EDSA Rebuild, part of President Marcos Jr.'s "Build Better More" program, aims to replace damaged road sections with stronger concrete to withstand heavy traffic.
According to Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manny Bonoan, the project will begin with preparatory work on June 13, and multiple contractors will be deployed at once to speed up construction.
