Everything You Need to Know About the Odd-Even Scheme Along EDSA
The new coding scheme begins June 16 with a dry run.
(SPOT.ph) Don’t get caught off guard: a new coding scheme is going to be rolled out soon on EDSA—and it’s going to change when and where you can drive.
Starting June 16, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will implement a 24/7 odd-even scheme along the entire stretch of EDSA from Caloocan to Pasay as part of preparations for its full rehabilitation project.
Vehicles with odd-number license plates (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) will be prohibited from using EDSA on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while even-numbered license plates (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) will be prohibited on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. All vehicles will be allowed on Sundays.
“Sa ngayon, magiging 24 hours ang odd/even scheme pero tinitignan naming gawin yan limited sa window hours,” MMDA Chairman Don Artes said. According to MMDA, this odd-even scheme is expected to reduce traffic along EDSA by 20%.
June 16 marks the start of a one-month dry run, which coincides with the beginning of preparatory works for the EDSA rehabilitation. During this period, violators will be flagged but won’t be fined—yet. The idea is to give the public enough time to adjust.
“Maninita po tayo, magbibigay tayo ng notice sa mga magva-violate pero walang penalty na i-impose,” Artes said. Full enforcement—with penalties—will begin after the dry run ends. Don't think you can sneak past this new rule as this will be supported by the return of the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP), which the MMDA will use to catch violators.
What happens to the number coding scheme?
The number coding scheme will be suspended along EDSA to make way for the new odd-even traffic rule, MMDA Head of Special Operations Group–Strike Force Gabriel Go told SPOT.ph.
However, the regular number coding scheme will remain in place for other roads in Metro Manila.
“Sa mga roads aside from EDSA, kung ano po ang number coding scheme sa ngayon, ‘yun pa rin po ang mag-go-govern,” Artes said.
What are the exempted vehicles in the odd-even scheme along EDSA?
Electric and hybrid vehicles will be exempt from the upcoming odd-even traffic scheme, just as they are under the number coding scheme, according to the MMDA.
Also exempt from the policy are motorcycles; public utility vehicles like city buses, jeepneys, and taxis; and transport network vehicle services (TNVS) like Grab, JoyRide, and Angkas.
Does the odd-even scheme apply to Skyway Stage 3?
No, the odd-even scheme does not apply to Skyway Stage 3. In fact, it will serve as an alternative route for affected motorists.
“'Yung mga bawal sa EDSA dahil sa odd/even scheme, puwede sa Skyway,” Artes clarified.
According to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, select segments of Skyway Stage 3 will waive toll fees starting in July or August once the full-scale construction on EDSA begins.
Also read: It’s Confirmed: Skyway Stage 3 Toll Fees Will Be Waived During EDSA Rehab
Plans for the EDSA rehabilitation
To be clear, EDSA won’t be fully closed to motorists as the rehabilitation work will be carried out one lane at a time, starting with the bus lane. DOTr said multiple contractors will be deployed simultaneously to speed up progress.
According to DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, the rehabilitation will focus on the southbound lane in 2025, followed by the northbound lane in 2026. Priority will also be given to sections between Guadalupe and Pasay, which are targeted for completion ahead of the ASEAN Summit that the Philippines will host in 2026.
Aside from the odd-even scheme, the government will roll out four other strategies to manage congestion. These include waiving the toll fee in Skyway Stage 3, adding new MRT-3 trains, deploying 100 to 200 more buses along the EDSA Carousel, and clearing alternate routes for rerouting.
Also read: EDSA Rehabilitation Will Start With Bus Lane Closure
UPDATED (May 28, 2025): This article has been updated to reflect that the one-week dry run has been extended to one month.