Noy to launch new MMDA traffic signal system

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino will launch the new traffic signal system and command control center of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) within the week, Malacañang announced yesterday.

The Office of the Presidential Spokesperson, however, did not give any details.

Based on previous reports, the MMDA has a new software for traffic light management.

Earlier, MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said a bulk of its proposed P2.65-billion budget for 2014 would be used for the installation of 161 new traffic signal lights and systems in the metropolis as well as for the purchase of flood control equipment.

Tolentino said Metro Manila has a total of 421 traffic signal lights and many of them would have to be replaced as part of a traffic master plan.

He said that when it rains, some of these traffic lights go out and cause traffic jams. The traffic lights are already beyond their life spans, he said, adding “these were put up in 1976.”

Tolentino also said some of the new traffic lights, especially those at strategic intersections, will use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and be fitted with closed-circuit television cameras. These will then be hooked up to a monitoring center at the MMDA’s headquarters in Makati City.

According to Tolentino, the replacement of the traffic lights will cost P399 million to complete.