Mandaue traffic system to use fiber optics

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue will be the first city in the country to use fiber optics technology in its traffic control system once the second phase of the system will be installed.

According to Timothy James Ong, operations head of Truine Electronics Systems which is a contractor of the city’s traffic light systems, the technology will help facilitate a better traffic flow.

The traffic system will use fiber optics instead of wireless software, allowing the city to save more by skipping the usual connection to telecom companies in order to operate unlike other modern traffic lights in the country.

Traffic will be monitored from the command center located beside City Hall while built-in security cameras can monitor the traffic build-up and even street crimes.

“The system is very modular, scalable and expandable,” Ong said.

Although the bidding for the said project is still ongoing, Ong is hopeful that their company will win the bid as no other company has so far submitted bidding proposals to the city.

“Right now, we’re waiting for the award. Technically, it’s not yet awarded to us. But we had joined the bidding already. For this one (second phase), we use fiber optics systems interconnecting all traffic light systems together so mas mabilis to,” Ong said.

At present, Mandaue is battling monstrous traffic congestions in its major streets with a one-way traffic flow experiment that will last for 60 days.

Motorists have complained of the “unbearable traffic” in the city following the simultaneous implementation of road restoration projects.

Although the installation of traffic lights that use fiber optics will not help solve the city’s traffic problems, Ong said this can pave the way for a “smooth flow” of vehicles in the streets.

Last Wednesday, Truine Electronics reconfigured the city’s traffic light systems so they can also adjust to the city’s new one-way traffic scheme.

Traffic lights that underwent reconfiguration included those installed on S.B. Cabahug Street which is currently used for one-way traffic.

The Mandaue City government allotted a budget of P39 million for the second phase of installation of 12 traffic lights in the city’s 12 intersections.

In August 2013, the city launched the first phase of its traffic light system project by switching on 36 new traffic lights installed in nine intersections.

Mayor Jonas Cortes said the traffic lights could be considered as “top of the line,”   adding they were even more modern compared to those in Metro Manila.

The traffic light system launched was equipped with security cameras, timers and sensors.  (FREEMAN)