If you’ve been driving around Metro Manila lately, you may have noticed that the countdown timers on traffic lights have essentially disappeared. That’s because all the timers have been replaced by what the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority calls the ‘adaptive signaling system.’
The MMDA believes that this system can better manage the flow of traffic as it can adapt to road congestion in real-time. Sensors mounted on traffic lights can scan lanes and either extend or shorten green-light times based on the volume of vehicles. In theory, this should provide a more efficient traffic management system, as opposed to set intervals that do not account for varying traffic conditions.
Green lights will then start to blink before changing to yellow and eventually red. Without displaying a set amount of time, this system should also discourage motorists from speeding across intersections to beat red lights.
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The MMDA announced that as of June 27, 2025, all 96 countdown timers under the agency’s operations have been dismounted, and the new adaptive signaling system is now in place.
Motorists may be seeing even more cameras, cables, and sensors on traffic lights as the MMDA has also committed to adding 1,200 more AI-powered cameras across Metro Manila, as part of the no-contact apprehension program. These new cameras are currently mounted on EDSA and will soon be adopted on other thoroughfares.
Has the new adaptive signaling system been helpful so far? Or do you prefer the old countdown timers? Sound off in the comments section.
