To drive or not to drive? A guide to Metro Manila number coding schemes

All coding schemes considered, when will you be able to drive along Metro Manila roads?

MANILA, Philippines — Fewer cars are expected to pass by EDSA starting on Monday, June 16, once the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) implements a 24-hour odd-even number-coding scheme along one of the country’s major thoroughfares.

Vehicles with plate numbers ending in odd digits (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) will not be allowed to pass by EDSA on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Those with plate numbers ending in even digits (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) will be restricted on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

But for many drivers, EDSA is just part of their journey, not their destination. Unfortunately for them, the odd-even scheme will be implemented only along EDSA, while the Expanded Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) will continue to apply in other parts of Metro Manila.

Under the UVVRP, vehicles with plate numbers ending in 1 and 2 are banned from passing by major roads on Mondays; 3 and 4 on Tuesdays; 5 and 6 on Wednesdays; 7 and 8 on Thursdays; and 9 and 0 on Fridays. According to the MMDA, the coding scheme is in effect from 7 am to 10 am and 5 pm to 8 pm, except in Makati City, where it is implemented from 10:01 am to 4:59 pm with no window hours.

Based on these coding schemes, when will you be able to drive along Metro Manila? Use this guide to check:

Cars simply crossing EDSA, including those passing through intersecting roads, will not be affected by the odd-even coding scheme. Several types of vehicles, such as electric vehicles and motorcycles, are also exempt from the coding scheme.

Violators during the month-long dry run beginning June 16 will receive tickets but will not be penalized.

The odd-even coding scheme will be implemented as motorists and commuters brace for heavier traffic due to the upcoming EDSA Rehabilitation, which is expected to begin on Friday, June 13. — Rappler.com