Traffic channel coming soon to the tube?

A CABLE channel broadcasting the traffic situation in often congested Metro Manila could soon be a reality if the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has its way. Speaking at the sidelines of a transport summit on Monday, MMDA Chairman Bayani F. Fernando said he was in "exploratory talks" with Lopez-led Sky Cable, which is run by Central CATV, Inc. "Nag-uusap kami para makakuha kami ng channel (We are negotiating to acquire a channel). We would also like to invite other cable operators to maybe give us channels," Mr. Fernando told BusinessWorld. The MMDA chief, who has expressed interest in running for president in 2010, added that they could refer to telecommunications regulations that will oblige cable operators to reserve a channel for "community service." "We are looking at how much time can be given or if it’s for a fee. We want to know how much, but we are really determined to have a cable channel of our own," he said. ABS-CBN corporate communications head Bong R. Osorio and Sky Cable Spokesperson Juno Henares-Chuidian both confirmed that negotiations were ongoing. "It is still up for discussion. [But] Sky Cable does not have the current capacity for carrying a traffic station," Mr. Osorio said. Ms. Chuidian, meanwhile, said "We just have to work out the technical aspects, but we really think its something worth looking at." Separately, Mr. Fernando said the MMDA was also set to implement the electronic bus route system next month, which cost the agency around P60 million to P70 million. "We are now installing the chips and hopefully by the 15th [of February] we will be able to upgrade the system and effectively manage the dispatching of [3,500] buses." Mr. Fernando said the multi-million radio frequency identification (RFID) system investment involves the installation of computer chips in buses, computers and cameras. The RFID system aims to control the number of buses in assigned loading and unloading zones, minimizing Metro Manila’s notorious congestion during rush hours. — M. G. S. Ramos, BusinessWorld