By JACQUELYN LUCERO

I remember when I was still commuting to the office in Makati from way back, the traffic was horrendous. My legs would ache from standing in long lines just to catch a van at the terminal behind Intercon, but even then, vans were scarce due to the heavy traffic. And when I finally managed to get on one, I would catch a nap in front of Sharon Cuneta’s billboard in Magallanes. After an hour of restless sleep, I would wake up only to find Sharon still in front of me!  

Traffic in the Philippines is a complex issue that is challenging to solve due to several reasons. Firstly, the proliferation of vehicles and population in major cities like Metro Manila lead to congested roads and increased traffic volume. Secondly, the lack of adequate infrastructure, such as roads, highways, and public transportation systems, results in inefficient traffic flow. Thirdly, the lack of discipline in driving, including traffic violations and failure to adhere to proper driving etiquette, exacerbates congestion. Aside from the ongoing urbanization and industrialization, politicizing traffic management further worsens the situation. Therefore, addressing the traffic problem in the Philippines requires a comprehensive approach that identifies key causes and utilizes technologies, policies, and community involvement to achieve long-term solutions.

Philippine traffic has long been a persistent challenge, causing frustration and wasted time for millions of commuters every day. 

Hearing that there was a traffic summit that happened, there is hope on the horizon. Personally, I hope that they were able to discuss the combination of the use of AI and the political will to implement a good plan to alleviate the traffic.

AI is here to stay, no matter how a number of people are still opposing the idea of its presence, so we might as well use it to our full advantage as advancements in AI offer promising solutions to alleviate congestion and improve the overall traffic experience.

1.Optimizing traffic flow  

AI-powered traffic management systems can analyze real-time data from cameras, sensors, and mobile apps to identify traffic patterns and predict congestion hotspots. By leveraging this information, authorities can adjust traffic signals, reroute vehicles, and implement dynamic lane assignments to optimize traffic flow and reduce bottlenecks.

2.Real-time traffic updates 

Mobile applications equipped with AI algorithms can provide commuters with accurate and up-to-date information on traffic conditions, alternative routes, and estimated travel times. This empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their travel plans, potentially avoiding heavily congested areas and minimizing delays.

3.Smart infrastructure development 

AI can assist urban planners and engineers in designing more efficient transportation infrastructure. By simulating traffic scenarios and analyzing historical data, AI algorithms can optimize road layouts, intersection designs, and public transportation routes to enhance overall traffic efficiency and safety.

4.Predictive maintenance 

AI-driven predictive maintenance systems can help prevent breakdowns and accidents by monitoring the condition of roads, bridges, and traffic signals in real-time. By identifying potential issues before they escalate, authorities can prioritize maintenance efforts and ensure that transportation infrastructure remains in optimal condition.

5.Autonomous vehicles 

The development of autonomous vehicles powered by AI holds the potential to revolutionize the way people commute in the Philippines. These self-driving cars can navigate traffic more efficiently, reduce the likelihood of accidents, and optimize road usage through platooning and coordination algorithms.

 6.Behavioral insights 

AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to gain insights into driver behavior and transportation preferences. By understanding commuting patterns, peak travel times, and popular routes, authorities can tailor policies and incentives to encourage alternative modes of transportation and alleviate congestion during peak hours. 

7.Community engagement 

In addition to technological solutions, community engagement and public participation are essential for addressing traffic challenges effectively. AI can facilitate communication between authorities and citizens, allowing for crowdsourced data collection, feedback mechanisms, and communitydriven initiatives to improve traffic management.   Community engagement extends to several steps that the LGUs adopted, like moving the worktime from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Why not do a hybrid or, better yet, make all your staff work remotely? This way, they can move out of the city and go home to their families in the province. This will directly address congestion in the city. Since the  bus lane called Carousel in EDSA seemed to be working well, then impose really heavy fines and confiscate licenses for those who continue to use the bus lane in direct violation of its proper use.  

8.Better services to the countryside 

Make sure provinces have better government and private services so people wouldn’t have to go to the city to avail of better services in the city. 

9.Decongest the city 

Transfer and generate work in the provinces, so it will help with the city congestion. Create more opportunities for people to work in their own provinces, with the same equitable opportunities for everyone. 

10.Plan personal travels effectively 

Carpool to the city if you really need to go. Plan your trip efficiently and post your invitation to carpool on the particular day you need to go. You save on gas, you share the cost of toll fees.  

11.Get your documents online! 

Shipping fees are worth your time and effort, instead of treading the traffic in this scorching summer heat.   While Philippine traffic remains a complex and multifaceted issue, traffic is an engineering and political will problem. Let’s do more “human things” and leave the precise analytical work to AI.   

True, humans have limitations, as we can get tired. That’s why I hope they consider at the Traffic Summit that there’s AI available that doesn’t get tired and can work 24/7, so let’s use it to our advantage. Let’s optimize it well and make sure to utilize the data from EDSA to provide excellent analytics for AI to solve our traffic problem.