THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Thursday that it is working with Japanese experts to create an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). The initiative was discussed between technical working groups of MMDA’s Intelligent Transportation Systems (MMITS) Project and representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. In the same event, representatives of various government agencies and the academe identified issues, including traffic signal control, incident management, public transport, freight and logistics, safety, and disaster response. Traffic Engineering Center Director and MMITS project manager Francisco Pesino Jr. said the workshop aimed to deepen understanding, exchange knowledge, and improve collaboration among related government agencies. Japanese expert Tetsuya Sato presented ITS user services that could be tailored to Metro Manila’s traffic conditions, while project team leader Takeshi Matsunuma emphasized the need for strategic planning and performance monitoring. Physical Planning and Spatial Development Service Director Michael Gison noted that artificial intelligence could be used “in a fruitful way” to optimize traffic management and safety, citing ongoing collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology.