The traffic in the metro hasn’t gotten that much better even post-pandemic. Sure, Davao City has overtaken Metro Manila in global rankings (according to the TomTom Traffic Index), and the latter has dropped to 15th overall, but is being 15th worst out of how many cities in the world really something to be happy about?
Surely, it isn’t. And we need drastic changes to solve that, and fast. That’s something the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are planning to do through its newly inked partnership.
This initiative will help the MMDA enhance its traffic management capabilities using Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Essentially, the program will allow local traffic enforcement to use new t echnologies that are “smarter and more responsive to the changing needs of the Filipinos.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
Mitsubishi XForce Hybrid world debut date reportedly locked in
2025 BYD Atto 3 gets smoothened looks, could get ‘God’s Eye’ ADAS
Currently, the ITS components utilized by the MMDA include the Communications and Command Center, the implementation of traffic signals, the installation of high-definition CCTVs, and its communication network.
“The ITS project envisions utilizing and enhancing the agency’s vehicle detection systems, variable message signs, speed violation enforcement systems, and traffic signal enforcement system, and devices that enable real-time monitoring of traffic conditions in the metropolis,” said MMDA chairman Atty. Don Artes. “Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) continues to be a catalyst for collaboration and growth across multiple sectors, especially in transportation, and plays a key role in helping us achieve our commitments to the United Nation’s Sustainable Goals.”
“Modernized ITS is what we love to share with the Philippines through the new technical cooperation project,” said JICA chief representative to the Philippines Sakamoto Takema. “JICA is pleased and enthusiastic to support [the] MMDA to develop its capacity for traffic management by introducing Japan Quality ITS measures.”
We’ll have to wait for a while before we see the results of this partnership, but we can only hope for it to be good.
