SLEX Toll Rates at Nichols Gate (01/23/2011)

Yesterday, we happen to pass the South Luzon EXpressway (SLEX) since we came all the way from Caliraya Resort in Lumban, Laguna. SLEX have improved a lot since last year or during the rehabilitation phase of some road sections where it brought about heavy traffic. It was quite a relief to experience better road travel along this highway.

In line with the improvements, however, the toll rates have dramatically increased. Last year's toll rates can be seen in my previous post. The updated toll rates at Nichols gate is shown below.

Entry Point | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 |

Bicutan | 30 | 60 | 90 |

Sucat | 48 | 96 | 144 |

Alabang | 65 | 130 | 195 |

Filinvest | 65 | 130 | 195 |

Susana Hts. | 78 | 155 | 233 |

San Pedro | 82 | 164 | 246 |

Southwoods | 92 | 185 | 277 |

Carmona | 97 | 193 | 290 |

Greenfield City - Unilab | 104 | 207 | 311 |

Sta. Rosa | 110 | 220 | 330 |

ETON City-Greenfield City | 119 | 238 | 357 |

Cabuyao | 125 | 249 | 374 |

Silangan | 128 | 257 | 385 |

Calamba | 141 | 282 | 423 |

Lai, Leong, Ortuoste, Yu and Ong. Vision-based Intelligent System for Traffic Analysis (VISTA).

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.

Transportation Researches Presented during the 5th ERDT Conference

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

SLEX or South Luzon Expressway

I featured NLEX or the North Luzon Expressway and SCTEX or the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway last year. This time, it is best to feature SLEX or the South Luzon Expressway.

SLEX was mentioned in ITS topic I posted early last year which discussed on how their ETC system reduced queueing in tollbooths.

Good thing, I was able to get the SLEX toll rates! So here it is:

Entry Point Class 1 Class 2 Class 3
Nichols 78.00 155.00 233
C-5 78.00 155.00 233.00
Bicutan 48.00 95.00 143.00
Sucat 30.00 59.00 89.00
Alabang 13.00 25.00 38.00
Filinvest 12.00 24.00 35.00
Susana Hts. 9.00 18.00 27.00
San Pedro 8.00 16.00 24.00
Southwoods 5.00 10.00 15.00
Carmona 4.00 7.00 11.00
Mamplasan 2.00 4.00 5.00

It took almost a year for me before finally having an idea to post about SLEX. I do not have much to say about SLEX since I rarely (because I live in the north) pass through this transport infrastructure. Only last Saturday when I together with churchmates went to Enchanted Kingdom was I able to take SLEX photos and had the *eureka moment to post something about SLEX. That one time chance to see SLEX again after several years still did not give me much ideas to write here. Anyway, the traffic was generally okay during that time maybe because it is a Saturday.

I would rather pass on the question to you dear reader, what can you say about SLEX? ;)

ITS: TRAFFIC BASELINE INFORMATION OBTAINED USING PROBE CARS IS THE KEY TO ADDRESS METRO MANILA TRAFFIC CONGESTIONS

ITS: TRAFFIC BASELINE INFORMATION OBTAINED USING PROBE CARS IS THE KEY TO ADDRESS METRO MANILA TRAFFIC CONGESTIONS

Reigna Jewel Ritz MACABABBAD
Graduate Student,
Institute of Civil Engineering,
UP Diliman

Jose Regin REGIDOR, Dr. Eng.
Associate Professor,
Institute of Civil Engineering,
UP Diliman


ABSTRACT: Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies can supplement construction-based methods to improve the capacity of existing transportation systems. ITS then, presents viable solution to traffic congestion problems rather than focus only on the intensive road infrastructure developments and improvements. Baseline traffic information such as speed, and travel time along road networks, a fundamental knowledge-based resource used in traffic management, assessments and planning, can be obtained only through sustainable data collection system. Examination of ITS technologies shows that probe car survey system is a sustainable data collection method to gather real-time and historical traffic information.

[Presented in the 17th Annual Conference of the Transportation Science Society of the Philippines]

Traffic Management

"Traffic management is a term used to embody the activities undertaken by a highway transportation agency to improve roadway system safety, efficiency, and effectiveness for both providers and consumers of transportation services. There are two distinct types of traffic management. The first one utilizes traditional traffic engineering tools or simple devices to regulate or control traffic. The second relies more on advanced technology through the use of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)." (Sigua, 2008)

In the Philippines, there are several government agencies which deal with traffic management. These agencies include the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Traffic Engine­ering Center, Philip­pine Na­tional Police-Traffic Management Group, and the Land Transportation Office. According to Lidasan as mentioned in a news report, poor coordination among government agencies occur since their functions and responsibilities often overlap. Moreover, even if policy making and implementation or enforcement are assigned to specific agencies, these organizations usually disregard or bypass one another in the performance of their functions. The following paragraphs further identify the key roles of the different agencies for an effective traffic management.

MMDA’s role is primarily to coordinate and integrate the efforts of local governments and the central government in drawing up policies and plans and implementing transport projects within Metro Manila. The responsibility for road construction and maintenance is divided between DPWH for national roads and LGUs for local roads. The DPWH Traffic Engineering Center has taken the responsibility for road planning that requires traffic engineering. DOTC is in charge of regulating vehicle fleet and driver licensing through its Land Transportation Office. The Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board regulates public transport services and fares. DOTC also plans the extensions to Metro Manila’s rail systems through the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and the Philippine National Railways.

Responsibilities for traffic management, however, should not just be relied upon the government agencies but a collaborative effort among the policy makers, implementors as well as the ordinary people - even children in grade school to senior citizens. Every citizen has to be educated about road traffic safety rules and signs. Rep. Narciso D. Santiago III has filed House Bill 4745 which aims to have a separate subject integrated in the grade school and high school curricula that includes the teaching of road traffic safety rules and signs since young people are the easiest to train.



Sources:

• Fundamentals of Traffic Engineering, Sigua, R., University of the Philippines Press 2008

• Institutional bottleneck slows down response to traffic problem. November 12, 2002. Manila Times (http://www.manilatimes.net/others/special/2002/nov/12/20021112spe1.html)
• Road traffic safety rules and signs to be taught in school. August 17, 2008. (http://www.gov.ph/news/default.asp?i=21908)