Current Situation
Congestion in cities is worsening. Building new lanes generally leads to more traffic. Smart signaling can improve traffic flow by dynamically controlling signals based on real-time conditions. Data from drivers and sensors can feed into traffic management centers or other services which return data to drivers to optimize their routings.
Goals and Objectives
Traffic management seeks to minimize congestion on the roadway system, allowing traffic to flow smoothly, ensuring time reliability of the roadway, and minimizing unwanted vehicle emissions into the atmosphere. Safety matter (ice, fog, etc.) can also be identified and transmitted in real time to approaching drivers/vehicles.
Technology Deployed
Cameras, speed sensors, other sensors (e.g., weather, traction), analytics, mobile phones, mobile apps, GPS, and connected vehicles
Use Case Summary
Traffic management systems keep traffic flowing by ensuring traffic signals respond to real-time situations. As technology develops, more devices and services will be connected and transmit data, such as traffic signals and cars themselves, without the use of street-based sensors.