MMDA to fully implement intelligent transport systems in next 3 years

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is eyeing to implement intelligent transport systems (ITS) in the next three years to address the traffic congestion in the metropolis.

MMDA chairman Danilo Lim said Friday the ITS will connect cities and concerned agencies in providing more efficient traffic management. This will also make MMDA operations “seamless,” he added.

“MMDA is continuously heading towards making Metro Manila a smart mega-city as we aim to fully implement ITS for better traffic management,” Lim said in his speech in Pasay City.

“For the next three years, we will be installing additional LED traffic signal control system, vehicle detection systems, variable message signs, speed violation detection systems, traffic signal enforcement systems, and additional CCTVs,” he added.

ITS is a system which applies information and communications technology to road transportation, including infrastructure, vehicles and users, and in-traffic management and mobility management. It is also used for interfaces with other modes of transport.

The MMDA chief said the government should invest in technology solutions to improve traffic management systems to pave the way for “smarter mobility.”

“Technology has indeed made its way through our systems. Many, if not all, infrastructures are now technology-enabled. From CCTVs, electronic sensors, and communication devices to electronic bus cards and smart transport terminals,” Lim said.

He cited ITS in Seoul, South Korea, which utilizes integrated technology solutions for their transport and traffic infrastructure, allowing them to collect data in real time and process these into useful information for program, policy, and decision-making.

Disaster management

The government should be pro-active in acquiring equipment and establishing facilities aimed for disaster management, Lim pointed out.

It should also be “assertive” in making policies and implementation, he added.

However, Lim said it is vital that communities be mobilized and citizens are turned into “disaster responders,” citing disaster management done in Malaysia.

“A community-based disaster response effort like theirs (Malaysia), powered by the right information, education, and public training promote inclusiveness and camaraderie,” the MMDA chairman said.

“This kind of participative intervention which builds resilient communities translates into public preparedness and the efficient disaster risk reduction of a country,” he added.

Metro Manila a smart city

Making Metro Manila a “smart city” is “not impossible” if the government starts to make all systems and infrastructure “efficient,” Lim said.

He said that current programs implemented by the MMDA is proof that what Malaysia and South Korea are doing can also be done in the Philippines.

“It is only a matter of integrating efforts of various local governments and agencies in a way that
will foster both social and economic development for our constituents,” Lim said.

“This, in turn, will ultimately lead to a smart and resilient Mega Manila,” he added. (Editor: Eden Estopace)