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MMDA installs sensor-based traffic lights, removes countdown timers


Sensor-based traffic lights have been installed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in place of countdown timers.

According to a ''24 Oras Weekend'' report by Vonne Aquino on Saturday, the MMDA said that they had replaced their 96 countdown timers in signalized intersections with sensor-based traffic lights that determine when vehicles are supposed to cross.

The MMDA said that the initiative was part of their adaptive signaling system that was initially implemented in 2012.

Sensor-based traffic lights are said to adjust depending on the volume of vehicles on the road, especially at night.

“Minimeasure niya, lalong-lalo na sa gabi, yung volume ng traffic.  For example, Lane A, wala nang dumadaan. Kahit na nakaprogram siya initially na 1 minute, ika-cut short ngayon to 30 seconds at ililipat niya doon sa mas nangangailangan dahil mas may volume,” said MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes.

(The lights are measuring the volume of traffic, especially at night. For example, Lane A has no more cars. Even if it was programmed initially for 1 minute, it will then be cut short to 30 seconds and will be transferred to the lane that needed it more because of the volume.)

“I think yung warning na 5 blinks, tapos 3 seconds na yellow and then red is sufficient enough para makapag-adjust yung ating mga kababayan at malaman nila kung dapat na ba silang mag-slow down, di ba? Para hindi sila mag-beat ng red light,” he added.

(I think the warning of 5 blinks and 3 seconds of yellow and red is sufficient enough to allow our motorists to adjust and know when they need to slow down, right? So that they will not beat the red light.)

Meanwhile, some motorists still preferred the countdown timers.

“Nakaka-alanganin kasi iniisip mo, green pa yun eh. Pagtingin mo bigla magde-dilaw… Alalay ka nalang,” said a truck driver when asked about the sensor-based traffic lights.

(It’s a bit confusing because you’re thinking that it’s still green. When you look over, it will suddenly turn yellow… You just have to be careful.)

“Mabilis talaga yung yellow niya. Tapos biglang red ka agad,” another motorist said.

(The yellow signal is fast. Then it will suddenly turn red.) — Jiselle Anne Casucian/VBL, GMA Integrated News


 

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