MMDA to install digital traffic lights

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) wants to install digital traffic signal lights in the metropolis starting next month.

In an interview over radio dzRH yesterday, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the plan is in line with the shift of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) to a digital system in 2012.

Tolentino explained that at present, all of Metro Manila’s traffic lights at the 455 major road intersections are connected to a control center of the MMDA’s Metrobase through PLDT lines.

He said if the MMDA fails to connect to the PLDT digital system, the MMDA could no longer remotely control traffic lights from Metrobase.

Tolentino, however, assured that the MMDA is now fixing the problem to avert any traffic gridlocks.

“Pinaghahandaan na natin yan. May mga kausap na tayong malalaking digital traffic operator para maisakatuparan na pag-connect ang digital MMDA to digital PLDT,” Tolentino said.

As part of the link to PLDT’s digital system, the MMDA will be prioritizing traffic lights in strategic intersections such as those in business hubs like in Makati City, and on roads leading to the seaports and airports.

Tolentino added that the MMDA was assured by PLDT that it would not rush the agency in converting its connection from analog to digital to prevent any disruptions in the control of traffic signal lights.

He said the MMDA would need six months to look for a modern traffic signal light control system that could be used for the next 20 years.

He said PLDT would give the MMDA six months to convert the traffic lights system.

The MMDA earlier said that the agency spends at least P9 million each month for traffic light operations and maintenance.

The agency said it needs at least P3.5 billion just to overhaul Metro Manila’s present traffic lights and convert them to the LED (Light Emitting Diode) type now being used in most countries.