MMDA launches new traffic control system

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III was all praises for the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)’s new traffic control system during its launch on Wednesday.

Aquino noted how the new system will allow the MMDA Command and Control Center, where the launch was held, to control traffic lights based on their monitoring through high definition video surveillance cameras.

The President called it a system that is “more effective,” fast and responsive.

“Mapapaigting din nito ang seguridad at kaligtasan ng mamamayan,” he added

(The security and safety of people would be enhanced by the new system.)

The new “upgraded information technology-based traffic control system,” launched on Wednesday at the MMDA Command and Control Center in Makati City, aims to improve traffic flow by monitoring more than 400 intersections, 85 of which will be covered by Phase 1 of the project.

The launch was also attended by MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson and Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Jun-Jun” Binay, Jr.

The MMDA said Phase 1 will involve the installation of “25 new fiber optic, high definition pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) traffic control/video surveillance cameras and 36 (units of) 45-inch video screens.”

This will augment the 150 closed-circuit television and internet protocol cameras already installed around Metro Manila.

The new system “is also set towards elevating to mobility management in the future, through a comprehensive and integrated approach that improves not just vehicle movement, but also the overall networked movement of people, goods, and services.”