Doing away from the manual overriding of systems to allow emergency response vehicles (ERVs) comb through busy road intersections.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through its Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), has developed a new digital traffic management system that aims to address an issue faced by emergency responders — specifically, traffic jams.
The Swift Emergency Response Vehicle Integration System with Smart Traffic and Electronic Enforcer on the Road (sERVis-STEER) project looks to save ERVs from the life-threatening delays due to congestion.
This project introduces an intelligent transport ecosystem powered by Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) wireless technology.
Through on-board units attached to ERVs, the vehicles will be able to communicate directly with roadside units and traffic infrastructure, the system enables automated route preemption.
Ultimately, it triggers real-time, intelligent green lights that grant ERVs a faster and safer passage through intersections.
In contrast, the current system needs to be manually overriden by traffic enforcers deployed in the area through raffic lights ot directing counterflow traffic to prioritize ambulances, fire trucks, and other emergency vehicles.
Another problem that this project solves is the issue on false emergency missions, which is a problem due to the lack of tracking mechanisms and data analytics to verify the authenticity.
The abuse of emergency sirens has since encroached designated bus lanes by vehicles, who travel without patients.
Through the Emergency Response Information Exchange Server Platform, there will be a centralized system designed to streamline coordination among hospitals, dispatch centers, traffic management agencies like the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and ground units.
That will enable real-time monitoring, scheduling, and auditing of missions to ensure that only legitimate emergency vehicles are given traffic priority.
In preparation for the system’s pilot testing and deployment, DOST-ASTI hosted the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Stakeholders’ Summit last June.
It is crucial for project, as it not only aims to expedite patient transport and reduce casualties, but also to become a “foundational step toward the broader adoption of and the development of smart, sustainable cities across the Philippines,” according to the DOST.
It presented the project’s deliverables, align expectations, and foster inter-agency cooperation to ensure successful deployment.
The event brought together LGUs, government agencies, and partner institutions for focused lectures, technology demonstrations, and needs assessment activities.
Engr. Ramon Vann Cleff Raro, the project leader of the sERVis-STEER, presented DOST-ASTI’s efforts to advance ITS in the Philippines under its Philippine Road Safety Initiatives Program.
He also presented the Philippines ITS Roadmap, which details progress from initial technology research to current Phase 2 use cases — focusing on emergency response and adaptive traffic control.
The long-term vision of that is establishing smart cities, intelligent public transit, and autonomous transportation across the country.
Other partner institutions, such as the Department of Health, also presented their updated rules and regulations governing the licensure of land ambulances and ambulance service providers.
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. said in a video message, “We need a full partnership of our local government units, partner agencies, and all of you to bring the same sense of urgency that our emergency responders bring to the road every day.“
“(The) DOST has always believed that science is most meaningful when it reaches the people who need it most,” he added.