MMDA to launch latest traffic, flood updating program

Sunday, July 10, 2011

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said it would launch next week a new technology dubbed the "Traffic Navigator" to keep motorists apprised of traffic updates on a round-the-clock basis.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said motorists who will subscribe to the new technology will receive via their cellular phones the latest updates on the traffic situation in Metro Manila, as well as the most convenient road to take in going to and from their homes, work or schools.

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"Nakatakda naming ilunsad itong bagong teknolohiya na inaasahan naming malaki ang maitutulong sa mga motorista sa darating na July 18. Real-time updates po ang matatanggap ng mga magsu-subscribe dito," Tolentino said.

"Sa pamamagitan nito, makakaiwas na ang mga motorista na tumahak sa mga lansangan na ma-trapik at may pagkakataon silang humanap ng alternatibong ruta upang mapadali ang byahe patungo sa kanilang patutunguhan," he added.

However, he clarified that only those with cellular phones that have access to the Internet will be able to receive the traffic updates on major roadways, including the perennially traffic-clogged Epifanio De Los Santos Avenue (Edsa).

Aside from traffic updates and news, the MMDA chief said subscriber may soon start getting information and updates on flooding, including roadways and areas inundated with floodwaters, especially during times of heavy rains and bad weather.

The technology is among the innovations brought by the MMDA since last year when it launched its Twitter account http://twitter.com/MMDA to provide continuous online service to the public.

The MMDA's Twitter team is composed of eight personnel, the dedicated Twitter team works on three shifts to monitor and respond to all queries regarding traffic and flood situations all over the metropolis.

The public are also encouraged to help the agency by submitting traffic, flood reports and reporting vehicular accidents and road obstructions using the #MMDA hashtag.

The Twitter account replaced the function of informing the public that was formerly carried out by the MMDA RTV (Radio and Television), which Tolentino abolished, citing the government's austerity measures.

He said the RTV cost the MMDA about P1 million a month.

Aside from its Twitter account, the agency also has its Facebook account at http:/j.mp/MMDAFB and MMDA News Channel on Youtube (http:/www.youtube.com/user/MMDANews).

It has also redesigned its website at www.mmda.gov.ph to make it more accessible and user-friendly. (AH/Sunnex)