MANILA – On the first day of the odd-even scheme in Pasig City, traffic was reduced despite confusion among drivers, a local official said Thursday.

Pasig traffic head Lydia Butana said the volume of vehicles traversing Elisco Road, R. Jabson Street, Concepcion San Guillermo Street (eastbound), and Sandoval Avenue was “drastically reduced”.

READ: Pasig nagpatupad ng odd-even traffic scheme

"Buong maghapon, very very light po ang traffic situation. Wala pong traffic, parang ngayon lang po nangyari," she said.

It is due to the dense traffic volume in these areas that the Pasig City government decided to experiment with an odd-even scheme. Vehicles there barely move, especially during peak hours, Butana said. As a result, traffic spills over to several major thoroughfares including EDSA and C-5 Road.

Based on the scheme, four-wheeled vehicles with plates ending in even numbers are not allowed to use these roads every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, while odd-numbered vehicles are banned from these areas every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Butana admitted that there are confused motorists. However, she said that they understand the confusion and simply reminded drivers that the Pasig government is testing the new traffic scheme.

No one will be fined or penalized for violation of the scheme at this time, as it has not been formally implemented through a city ordinance.

According to the Pasig Information Office on Twitter, the scheme is implemented the whole day starting September 1, but public utility vehicles, school services, and emergency vehicles are exempted.

Despite the Pasig City government’s praises for the scheme, it received complaints from confused motorists, with some calling it a “hassle” and questioning if the plan went through public consultation.

LONG RANT

Do you guys live in Pasig, like I do?

If you do, then I pity you.

With this ridiculous Odd/Even... https://t.co/oBlsIHJQah

— The Pickiest Eater (@PickiestEater) September 1, 2016

@MMDA hi, bakit pinayagan ang sistemang odd/even scheme ngayon sa Pasig City? Hindi niyo po ba alam na maraming napeperwisyo dito?

— Gabrie Orprecio ️ (@monstersplit) September 1, 2016

I hope this odd&even scheme will be effective! I wish i wish.

— Pooooool (@DrewEstanislao) September 1, 2016

May odd-even scheme na pala dito sa Pasig?! I was not informed. LOL

— Jong Snow (@attyjong) September 1, 2016

well, hindi effective ang 'odd-even traffic scheme' ng pasig, traffic pa rin hays

— aljon dela cruz (@fasdelacruz) August 31, 2016

For information on alternate routes and updates on the scheme, Butana recommended that motorists visit the Facebook page of the city’s Public Information Office.

#Pasig LGU to implement experimental Odd/Even traffic scheme in the ff. areas starting Sept. 1: pic.twitter.com/TANg1ezltF

— PIA-NCR (@PIA_NCR) August 30, 2016