Many drivers, however, said they were unimpressed and see little benefit in the new project.

At the new traffic control center near the Ari SkyTrain station, BMA governor Apirak Kosayodhin said yesterday that 40 digital variable message signs (VMS), or so-called genius traffic boards, will be used to inform commuters about Bangkok traffic conditions in real time.

The signs display colored lights, text messages and live video images to help drivers chose the fastest routes.

"This system has been used in several big cities around the world. With its information technology, it is a modern system that will help solve traffic problems in Bangkok along with other BMA transportation projects," the governor said.

Of the 40 new electronic signs, four 33-square-meter signs are located near entrances to the expressway. The remaining 36 signs, each 20 square meters, are located at major intersections throughout Bangkok. Each sign displays a rough graphic map of nearby streets in one of three alternating colors. Red indicates heavy traffic, yellow slow traffic, and green no traffic.

The BMA has installed 150 closed-circuit televisions throughout the city to provide live images of traffic to the signs.

Taxi driver Chinaphong Khutsai, 37, said the new signs did not provide much help, especially to experienced drivers. "The signs are useless for me, and many other taxi drivers, too. We already know which routes are usually in heavy or light traffic and when to go or not go into those zones. I saw some of those new signs recently, but I no longer pay any attention to them," he said.

Satid Butphan, a bank officer, said he did not think the signs would reduce traffic in the capital.

"I wonder if this project is worth the investment in their benefit to the public, not just the companies or any authorities involved. BMA should find other measures that may cost the same or even less but offer better solutions," he said.

Source: Thai Day