MMDA launches ‘traffic mirror’ website

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday launched a website that could be accessed by motorists to get real-time information on the traffic conditions on nine strategic points in Metro Manila.

Called the “MMDA Traffic Mirror,” the website could be accessed at www.MMDA.NowPlanet.TV. The website provides round-the-clock livestream video showing road conditions, including flooded streets and vehicular accidents.

“With the fast-changing technology nowadays, Traffic Mirror is MMDA’s latest offering to every motorist and commuter who wants to plan their trip ahead and avoid the inconvenience brought about by heavy traffic,” MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said.

The MMDA said the website – which can be accessed on any smartphone or tablet – was developed for free by Information Capital Technology Ventures Inc. (ICTV), a telecommunications firm based in Makati City. The project costs P20 million.

At present, video feeds are sent from nine closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at EDSA-Taft Avenue, EDSA-Orense, EDSA-SM Megamall, EDSA-Nepa Q Mart, EDSA-Ayala, C-5 Greenmeadows, EDSA-White Plains, EDSA-P.Tuazon and at Marcos Highway.

“With this system, we will be at par with First World countries like South Korea,” Tolentino said.

He said that with the use of the website, motorists can avoid roads congested by traffic and accidents. Motorists are also encouraged to report road accidents to the MMDA as seen from the video feeds so that the vehicles involved could be cleared by the MMDA.

In yesterday’s launching of the website, a CCTV camera installed at EDSA-Nepa Q Mart sent a feed showing a closed van carrying bottled water lying on its side on the flyover’s southbound lane. MMDA rescue crews later removed the vehicle.

ICTV said the project is their way of serving the public as it offered to develop the website.

“No cost but once in a while, the website will get some advertisements and the MMDA can subscribe one telco but our part is an engineering side. We will not charge MMDA. It is a service for the public,” ICTV chairman Tom Aquino said.