LTA has constantly been leveraging on the use of technology for managing and optimizing our road networks and improving the road safety for the benefits of all road users. As part of the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Master Plan, LTA looks not only into implementation of innovative traffic management solutions but also into the adoption of transport standards and the different means of dissemination of traffic information to reach out to the service providers and motorists so that motorists can make informed travelling decision.

Currently, LTA is driving the adoption of the traffic data standard called the Traffic Message Channel (TMC), a low-bandwidth traffic information dissemination protocol under the ISO 14819 standards, designed for delivering real-time traffic and travel information to motorists on the move. With this standard and a TMC-Location Table in place, commercial service providers can broadcast real-time traffic messages to drivers on the move.

The traffic information is typically broadcast through the FM-Radio Data System (RDS) communications protocol due to its low bandwidth (each traffic message is sent out as 37bits message) requirement. It can also be transmitted through other transmission medium such as the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB). The traffic information received can be displayed as text messages on an LCD display of the radio or as graphics on navigation maps on TMC compatible devices such as portable navigation devices (PNDs), in-vehicle navigation systems and mobile phones.

The TMC standard is widely accepted globally and has been adopted by many countries in Europe and America. In recent years, many countries in Asia Pacific and Middle East have started adopting and providing TMC services as a mean of delivering real time traffic information to the motorists.

TMC Location Table (TMC-LT)

A TMC message, comprising a defined location code and an event code, is transmitted over-the-air to the navigation device or radio receiver in the vehicle. A TMC Location Table stores these location codes and referencing rules which include the country's different category of roads and intersections that are required for the navigation systems to decode the TMC messages.

With LTA?s domain knowledge in traffic and local road networks, together with unparalleled access to a wealth of information on TMC Standard and Specifications from the Traveller Information Services Association (TISA), LTA has developed a Location Table that gives an assurance on its quality.

LTA's TMC-LT was certified (certificate number 2010-100-SG) by TISA in July 2010 which gives a stamp of quality and recognition that will be acceptable to the industry for ease of integration and adoption with industry maps and navigation/radio devices,

How TMC works

Industry Benefits

Benefits to the industry include:

• Proven approach as TMC standard has been successfully adopted and deployed in many countries in Europe and America ;
• Ease of implementation as TMC utilised globally accepted location codes and standard governed by TISA and thus reduces integration and implementation risks. This helps to reduce time-to-market of products;
• Cost effective means of delivering real-time traffic information as integration and operation costs are low since it is a standardized format with specifications defined in the ISO 14819; and
• Greater synergy and cohesion that allows greater public/private collaboration as a value chain to deliver real-time traffic information to the public.

Motorists Benefits

Motorists will be able to enjoy the following benefits with the Traffic Message Channel:

• Real-time traffic information updates sent straight to the navigation devices;
• Timely notifications to help motorists avoid traffic accidents, congestion, roadworks, etc;
• Dynamic route guidance and alternative route choice by the TMC-enabled navigation systems;
• Filtered information specific to the motorists' immediate route; and
• Globally compatible receivers for the international travellers.

Click here to download TMC brochure.

For enquiry on getting an evaluation copy or licensing of the TMC-LT, you may email to: live_traffic@lta.gov.sg

Last Updated on 15/12/2010