This blog discusses more about transportation engineering which include topics such as environmentally sustainable transport, transportation systems, traffic management, transport economics, transport modes, vehicles, as well as people and goods. Filipinos whether they may be students, engineers, or researchers will greatly benefit from the comprehensive information made available by this blog. Check PHOTOSBYEINJEL.BLOGSPOT.COM
R.J.R. Macababbad and J.R. Regidor. GPS-Based Travel Time and Delay Survey Methodology and Traffic Data Analysis. Proceedings of the 5th ERDT Conference, Manila, Philippines, 10 Sept 2010.
Abstract taken directly from texts and as such, quoted below:
"Travel time and delay studies are used to evaluate traffic conditions, determine levels of service and to plan for improvements. Transportation planners and engineers of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) still employ the manual or stop watch method using a test car in obtaining travel time and delay data. This method is labor intensive and is prone to human errors as well as biases inherent in the conduct of the field surveys. Thus, it is necessary to develop and demonstrate a more efficient method using tools for assessment of road traffic conditions. This paper presents a Geographical Positioning System (GPS)-based travel time and delay survey and data analysis methodology. It presents the development and application of a methodological framework and also data analysis and presentation through the use of digital maps. The use of GPS in this research provides fundamental inputs towards the development of a probe car system for use in travel time and delay studies in the Philippine cities."
Lai, Leong, Ortuoste, Yu and Ong. Vision-based Intelligent System for Traffic Analysis (VISTA). Proceedings of the 5th ERDT Conference, Manila, Phils. 10 Sept 2010.
Abstract taken directly from texts and as such, quoted below:
“Vision-based Intelligent System for Traffic Analysis (VISTA) is a computer-based vision system that captures video footages of roads for analysis of traffic parameters. Problems with existing technology have led researchers to venture into the use of computer vision. VISTA consists of a dadta acquisition, data processing and result generation modules. The input of the system is a video footage of a roadway taken with a still digital video camera. The input is then converted into an image sequence. Each image is then processed to segregate entities on the road that contribute to traffic from those that do not. Once these entities are identified, pertinent traffic parameters are then computed based on the image sequence. The output of the system can be used as the necessary traffic parameters for traffic management and information systems.
This paper presents the design and implementation of the Codebook sub-module, which is responsible for segregating foreground and background segments of an image. It also outlines performance analysis and evaluation of the sub-module.”
This is one of the good researches that will surely help improve traffic data collection through the use of video cameras and computers. A lot of video image processors for traffic analysis are already being used in other countries. This, however, is locally developed and thus, local application would be much easier, cheaper, and appropriate.
On a note, errors are inherent from devices or personnel performing the data collection. Thus, the system errors present for VISTA is normal. In the conducted on-road object tests, the obtained error can be factored in the traffic flow computations such that more accurate estimates can be achieved.
In the advent of increasing use of surveillance cameras in most cities in Metro Manila, it would be much more wise to include the capabilities of VISTA to maximize the benefits that can be obtained from these. Giving attention to the critical issues of VISTA also would further ensure the accuracy of traffic flow computations. As a transport expert, I highly commend the researchers for producing a practical and valuable tool for traffic analysis to address traffic congestion in the metropolis. This tool should be explored by the MMDA for their real-time traffic surveillance in order to improve the agency’s traffic management and operations.
The 5th Conference of the Engineering Research and Development for Technology (ERDT) was held at Hotel Sofitel, Roxas Boulevard, Manila last September 10, 2010. To know more about ERDT, click PEMToday.com.
The following provides a list of presented papers related to transportation or road traffic. A good and detailed discussion or comment on these researches will be presented in the following posts.
A Correlation of the Acoustic Power Level of Road Traffic to the Volume of Traffic Flow and Its Environmental Effects by Dimaano of Ateneo de Manila University
GPS-Based Travel Time and Delay Survey Methodology and Traffic Data Analysis by Macababbad and Regidor of University of the Philippines Diliman
Generating Trip Plans Using Public Transportation Routes in Metro Manila by Lim, Abesamis, Miranda, Chua and Lee of De La Salle University
Collection of Pedestrian Trajectory and Behavioral Data in Shopping Mall Environment by Bautista and Teknomo of De La Salle University
Vision-Based Intelligent System for Traffic Analysis (VISTA) by Lai, Leong, and Ortuoste of De La Salle University
An ITS seminar supported by the Engineering Research and Development for Technology (ERDT) Program of the Departmentof Science and Technology (DOST) was conducted at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City last February 13, 2009 from 8:00AM – 4:00PM. The event was participated by members of academe (UP, DLSU, MAPUA Tech, and FEU), some national government agency representatives (DPWH, DOTC, DOST, MMDA, and LTFRB), and the private sector stakeholders like Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP), and Tollways Management Corporation (TMC). A keynote presentation given by Doctor Naohisa Okamoto, a visiting professor from University of Tsukuba in Japan, enriched the knowledge of participants on ITS by sharing current practices and or application as well as further studies regarding the topic in Japan.
What is Intelligent Transport System or ITS?
ITS is the application of information and communication technologies to surface traffic and transportation systems. (Sigua, 2008) The following diagram presented by Okamoto also illustrates ITS:
The GPS (Geographic Positioning System) device installed in some modern cars which provides information and guides drivers about the possible route from origin to destination is one of the examples of the application ofITS.
According to Okamoto, the key goal of ITS is to build integrated systems for people, roads, and vehicles in order to resolve problems of road transportation, including traffic congestion, traffic accidents, and environmental damage.
Some of the estimated benefits of using ITS are the following (according to US DOT as mentioned by Sigua, 2008):
a.Advanced traffic surveillance and signal control systems have resulted in travel time reduction ranging from 8-25%.
b.Electronic fare payment technologies for transit systems have resulted in increased revenues of 3-30% due to fewer evasions.
c.Incident management programs can reduce delay associated with congestion caused by incidents by 10-45%.
d.Electronic toll collection increases capacity by 200-300% compared to attended lanes
e.Widespread use of Mayday emergency notification devices can reduce the time it takes to discover a rural crash from 1 minute to 9.6 minutes.
ITS Deployment
Japan (presented by Okamoto)
·VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System)
A comprehensive data is inputted and processed in the VICSCenter which is then transmitted to roadside beacons using FM multi-channel broadcasting. VICS on-board unit or navigation system then displays information on the current traffic volume along roads that the driver will traverse.
VICS therefore provides road traffic information in real time, realizing smooth traffic and higher travel speed, resulting in the improvement of actual fuel efficiency. The notable effect of VICS is the reduction in CO2 emissions which is about 240 Mt by 2010.
·ETC (Electronic Toll Collection Systems)
ETC uses electronic means of collecting toll fees which makes transaction faster than the manual payment scheme or E-pass. The vehicle need not stop at gates because a roadside antenna reads the on-board ETC card and automatically collects toll fee from prepaid debit-credit card.
There are approximately 22.1 million ETC on-board units have been installed as of December 2008. Moreover, the ETC utilization rate in expressways nationwide is 75.3%. Traffic jams caused by toll gates which constitute about 30% is lessened through non-stop, cashless toll collection at expressway tollbooths.
Philippines (ITS Experience in the Philippines, a presentation by Sigua)
·Traffic Responsive Signal System
SMART System (State-of-the-Art Metro Manila Adaptive Responsive Traffic System)
This is a signaling project undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways – TrafficEngineeringCenter (DPWH-TEC) for the upgrading and development of traffic signals in the metropolis. It uses the Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System (SCATS) Technology and was first used in CebuCity. In Metro Manila, it covers about 420 intersections. Unfortunately, some signalized intersections were already replaced by U-turn slots as implemented by MMDA.
SCATS uses detectors embedded in the pavement to determine the congestion level of road networks. It is a dynamic demand-responsive traffic system used for areawide control, the signal timings therefore evolve in response to detected traffic demand.
·Metro Manila ETC System (Electronic Toll Collection)
Most widely known as E-pass, ETC was first implemented in August 2000 along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Skyway. In this system, a tag is placed on the inside surface of the windshield which is then electronically read at the entry and exit of E-PASS-ready toll lanes. Upon exit, it is read to determine the toll fee to be paid. A green light is given and the barrier is lift up if there is enough balance in one’s E-PASS account. A yellow light is also given if a subscriber’s prepaid toll balance is below P250 while red light means a zero balance account, thus, the subscriber cannot use the e-pass lanes to exit. This system is also employed in some toll collection booths of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). In 2006, there are about 20% ETC users in SLEX while about 6.5% in NLEX.
·RFID Project of MMDA (Application of RFID on Public Transport, presented by Mr. Tony Pagulayan of MMDA)
This is the reorganized bus route policy as well as control of dispatch of buses that ply along the EDSA. The main objective of this project is to minimize the number of buses along EDSA but increase its occupancy rate so as to improve traffic congestions, and further in the decrease of CO2 vehicle emissions.
How can we apply ITS in the Philippines?
In the afternoon session of the seminar, a panel discussion regarding the query on how to apply ITS in the Philippines took place. The panel members comprised of invitees from national government agencies, academe, and private sector together with the distinguished panelists and moderated by Dr. Jose Regin Regidor contributed meaningful insights towards the development of ITS in the Philippines. The following noteworthy ideas and issues were being raised by the lead panelists during the discussion:
Dr. PrimitivoCal, UP SURP:
“Let us be selective in using appropriate technology for the Philippines because what is applicable in other countries may not be applicable for us. Aside from the number coding scheme as means to control the number of vehicles, maybe we can apply road pricing similar to Singapore. This project may obtain funding through BOT. Moreover, since according to MMUTIS, about 70% of trip makers rely on public transport, it is then necessary to focus developments to the public sector as beneficiaries.”
Prof. Francis Aldrine Uy, MAPUA Tech:
“Use ITS to solve social and environmental problems that is, by introducing environmental criterion in assessing the actual benefits of projects. The RFID project of MMDA for buses has potentials to be extended to private cars for easier car registration and vehicle emission testing but of course, there are issues on privacy and security which needs to be addressed.”
Prof. Sundo, Dep’t of CE of UP LB:
“There is a need for information dissemination on ITS. It is also important to revisit design of road facilities to address and manage issues on poor visibility, accidents and other transportation related concerns.”
Moreover, Dr. Benito Pacheco further inquired on whether ITS would be intelligible to the people or the system would be more of intelligent that the public may not easily grasp the concept and therefore the actual benefits are ignored and not fully optimized. The DOST representative on the other hand, pointed out that all of the discussion efforts boil down to issues on economic aspect of actually undertaking an ITS project. Dr. Ricardo Sigua in the later discussion posed an interesting challenge whether ITS is a tool or a toy.
Sources:
1.Sigua, R. 2008 Fundamentals of Traffic Engineering. University of the Philippines Press.
2.Okamoto, N. Intelligent Transportation System/Service.
