By AARON B. RECUENCO
DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista and MMDA acting chairman Don Artes discuss the improvement on EDSA Busway, including the installation of more cameras, during the inauguration of the project in Quezon City on Monday, July 15, 2024. (photo: MMDA)
Authorities have installed smart traffic surveillance systems, including those with artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, in a bid to further improve the monitoring system on the bus stations and along the stretch of the EDSA Busway.
MMDA acting chairperson Don Artes said the funding of the Smart Traffic Surveillance System at the EDSA Busway was funded by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
“The EDSA busway boasts of a smart traffic surveillance system where 166 CCTV cameras are installed, 21 with artificial intelligence or AI technologies, along the entire Busway route from Monumento to Roxas Boulevard, to monitor the time allowed for buses to load and unload passengers as well as drivers’ violations intended to make commuter trips faster and more efficient,” said Artes.
Aside from the smart traffic surveillance system, Artes and DOTr Secretary Jaime J, Bautista also inaugurated two newly-constructed EDSA -Philam and Kamuning Stations in Quezon City for the EDSA Busway.
The same project, according to Artes, also covered enhancements in other existing stations such as Guadalupe, Santolan, Balintawak, Bagong Barrio, Monumento, Ayala, Buendia, Kaingin, Nepa Q-Mart, Quezon Avenue, Roosevelt, Roxas Boulevard, and Tramo.
“The EDSA-Philam station features elevators or manlifters to provide accessibility and convenience to passengers, especially senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs),” said Artes.
“Four other footbridges, particularly stations in Monumento, Bagong Barrio, Balintawak, Guadalupe, have three elevators or manlifters each to encourage more passengers to ride the EDSA Busway,” he added.
For his part, Bautista said the project also involves the construction of new pedestrian footbridges for Balintawak, Santolan and Guadalupe Stations; rehabilitation of existing pedestrian footbridges at Monumento, Bagong Barrio; construction of PWD Ramps, catch basins and storm drain pipes; provision of pressurized washer for the concrete barriers.
“The installation of man lifters is aimed to reach the DOTr’s objective to provide a comfortable, affordable, safe, and secure, accessible travel experience to passengers, especially to senior citizens, persons with disabilities,” said Bautista.