MMDA testing bus-tracking system to ward off colorums

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has started testing a bus-tracking system that can help it keep tabs on registered buses and in the process keep colorum buses off the metropolis’ major thoroughfares. MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino on Sunday said the prospective system potentially allows MMDA personnel to track an individual bus, including its location and speed. “Every day nakikita natin saan tumatakbo and bus. Kung lumabas sa route, lalabas ito sa computer... 'pag nawala sa route niya, nagpapatunay ito na out of line siya," he said in an interview on dzBB radio. He also said the system even monitors the bus’ speed such that the MMDA can determine if the bus is going too fast. Tolentino said the pilot testing was done with the “Jayross” bus line. He said the bus firm’s management was aware of the testing. Also, he said their initial tests indicated the monitoring system could be feasible. On the other hand, he said that once the system is applied to all registered bus firms, the MMDA can now weed out colorum buses from major thoroughfares. “All registered buses once included in the system will register on our system. If you are a colorum bus, you will not register on the system because the gadget will not be installed on your units. So once you don’t register on the system, you can be intercepted on the road,” he said. Meanwhile, Tolentino said the MMDA is testing solar-powered traffic lights. He said some units are now being tested near the MMDA headquarters in Makati City. “Gusto natin i-pilot kung uubra para makatipid sa kuryente. Napakamahal ng bayad sa Meralco sa traffic lights natin," he said. — LBG, GMA News