MMDA starts shift to digital traffic lights

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has started to replace analog traffic lights to digital ones, an official said yesterday.

Agency spokesperson Alu Corotan said among their priority areas include the central business districts, the roads leading to the airport, and seaports.

The conversion started on Dec. 31, 2011 and is expected to be completed after six months.

According to Corotan, through the new scheme, the MMDA can “effectively, efficiently, and remotely” monitor the traffic system in the metropolis.

The spokesperson added that it would be easier to attend to traffic problems because the agency will also upgrade to a central monitoring system at the MMDA’s Metro Base.

Through the shift, the MMDA would be able to reduce manpower.

Corotan said they will finish the conversion despite budget constraints.