"Smart" Traffic Report Service Via Cell Phones Launched

[george]

"Smart" traffic report service via cell phones launched

BANGKOK: -- Ministry of Science and Technology on Wednesday unveiled a new "smart" system to report traffic conditions via mobile phone to help drivers returning to their hometowns arrive safely and without incident, Prof. Dr. Yongyuth Yuthavong, Minister of Science and Technology said.

Dr. Yongyuth, Highway Police Commander Pol. Maj-Gen Pasin Noksakul and Andrew McBean, senior vice president of mobile-phone operator Total Access Communication (DTAC)'s business division held a joint press conference to launch the new technology as a travel aid to the public.

Under the system, travellers can check traffic conditions via their mobile phones by downloading programme from the website http://map.longdo.com/m/pc or use a mobile phone to download the programme directly from http://map.longdo.com/m, he said.

With the programme, users can see road maps with graphics showing real-time traffic conditions, he said, adding that a red line means traffic congestion, yellow means heavy traffic and green means flowing traffic.

The road user can also inquires regarding traffic conditions through MSN Messenger and SMS, he said.

The traffic report would cover main roads in Bangkok and expressways.

The project is part of the smart transport and traffic system project of the National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (NECTEC) and the Highway Police.

The initial project had traffic reports via a government-sponsored website http://traffic.thai.net during last year's Songkran Festival holiday which proved successful. The newly launched services were an improved version able to better help drivers when they are on the road.

--TNA 2007-12-27

[KireB]

Why would anyone need this?

The traffic flow is pretty constant here: congested!

[astral]

Then people have to use their phones whilst driving to see which is the best route?

A Dangerous Nightmare.

[Losangels]

What is so "smart" about this service/report

Maybe the minister thinks he is "smart" about this idea

What Bangkok needs is "smart" traffic signal cops

[Tony Clifton]

Didn't they just make or are about to make cell phone use illegal while driving?

[nickynomates]

Didn't they just make or are about to make cell phone use illegal while driving?

Yep more income for PC Somchai.

The word smart and traffic in the same sentence is a no win one.

[Scott]

Sadly, once again, the police are having someone else do their work. I don't see why the police can't report to a central location about traffic conditions, accidents etc. Under this system, anyone could say anything they want to. Before leaving, I think I'll call and tell them the route I am taking is really congested and suggest an alternative route, then I'll have3 clear sailaing!

Fortunately, I am staying really close to home!

[soundman]

Outlaw using a mobile phone while driving......

Promote a navigation system that can only be accessed in real time while driving by a mobile phone.....

I have a great idea - let these people run the country....

[a2396]

So many "nay-sayers". This concept has been used in several large American cities, in conjunction with other various high-tech traffic management techniques, such as freeway ramp metering, and roadside cameras to spot traffic problems. The idea is to minimise bottlenecks & tie-ups where the roadways are over capacity.