MMDA launches new traffic control system ‘Hermes’

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) launched on Wednesday a new traffic control system which will supposedly improve the monitoring and management of the traffic situation in Metro Manila.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the new Traffic Signal System (TSS), called "Hermes", will help improve the safety of pedestrians, commuters, and vehicles through "well-coordinated" signal routes.

“It can analyze and consolidate information for faster mobility, improved road safety, optimized vehicle flow and pedestrian movement, and reduced travel times,” he said.

During his speech at the launch of the project, President Benigno Aquino III said the new system will allow the MMDA to remotely control the traffic lights all over Metro Manila from its new Command and Control Center in Makati City.

This will be made possible with the new system and the installation of 25 new fiber optic high defiinition Pan-Tilt-Zoom Traffic Control/Video surveillance cameras and 36 45-inch video screens that shall monitor activities.

The MMDA said the system will initially be implemented in 85 priority intersections and 25 traffic control/video surveillance locations around Metro Manila.

“In the future, this new system will be able to manage up to 500 intersections. TSS aims to upgrade, automate, and optimize the management and traffic engineering installations around Metro Manila,” said Tolentino.

Around 150 CCTV and IP cameras are currently installed all over Metro Manila. — BM, GMA News