Pasig’s axing of odd-even policy hailed

MANILA, Philippines — The suspension of the “confusing, disjointed” odd-even coding scheme in Pasig City is a welcome move, not only in improving traffic management across the metropolis, but also in reducing the number of vehicles on the road, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

MMDA traffic czar Bong Nebrija said that the suspension was also in accordance with an old Metro Manila Council resolution to harmonize traffic policies across the metropolis.

He noted that Pasig was the only city practicing the odd-even policy that banned four-wheeled vehicles from certain roads three times a week depending on the last number of their license plates.

All other Metro cities, except Navotas, Pateros, Marikina, Taguig and Muntinlupa, were implementing the MMDA’s number-coding scheme.

“Our roads are connected to each other. With the lifting of the policy, we are creating uniformity and people will not be confused anymore,” Nebrija said.

He pointed out that the odd-even scheme could actually increase the number of vehicles on the road because those who could afford to buy cars “would simply buy [another one] to beat the system.”