What Happened?
The latest trend in transportation efficiency centers on smart technology that offers real-time data help reduce congestion while improving safety.
State of Transit
A recent report from the American Public Transportation Association revealed 10.8 billion passenger trips were taken on public transit networks in 2014, marking the highest ridership levels since 1956. Public transportation trips have exceeded 10 billion rides for the past nine years with a 1.1 percent uptick between the fourth quarter of 2014 and the same quarter in 2013.
Researchers attributed the consistent increase in public transportation ridership to demand from the public for more reliable transit options that are less vulnerable to traffic delays due to congestion. The Millennial generation, in particular, has embraced public transit options with 75 percent reporting a preference to live in a city where a car was not needed to get around. More Americans are interested in navigating their surroundings while avoiding being stuck in traffic.
Tackling Congestion
According to analysis from Frost & Sullivan, cities and states in North America and Europe are investing in real-time traffic information systems to help squash road congestion improve transit efficiency. The key component of these traffic information systems is the collection and analysis of big data that provides actionable insight on how to improve city designs and reduce traffic gridlock.
Researchers reveal advanced technologies such as predictive traffic and vehicle-to-vehicle communication are becoming more common among urban environments with high traffic volumes. Cities are integrating public transportation information to help residents estimate their time of arrival based on traffic patterns, and aim to incorporate real-time roadway data to help drivers avoid areas of congestion.
Currently, there are about 1.9 million real-time traffic subscribers in North America, with expectations to reach to 14.2 million by 2021. Big data analytics will continue to be used to support the implementation of advanced traffic technology projects in more cities such as:
- Predictive traffic
- Signal management
- Road infrastructure maintenance
- Accident reduction solutions
To ensure the technology is seamlessly deployed and optimized by local governments, transit agencies must invest in data collection, aggregation and integration experts and resources.
The Right Tools
In communities of all sizes, new traffic technology is a top priority for improving transportation efficiency while reducing pedestrian, cyclist and commuter fatalities and injuries. Many cities are investing in advanced tools to prevent backups at intersections and maintain a smooth flow of traffic through the collection and analysis of real-time traffic data. Other cities are leveraging traffic technology to address problem areas and fix the congestion on-the-spot. Not only does a more steady, predictive flow of traffic improve overall mobility, but it also reduces air pollution and cuts fuel costs. Research from Texas A&M’s Transportation Institute predicts delays caused by traffic congestion across the country will reach 8.4 billion hours by 2020. This will translate to an average of 45 hours and 25 gallons of gas wasted.
A common transportation technology upgrade seen nationwide is the use of loops, video cameras and radar to gather real-time data on traffic patterns. The adaptive systems use algorithms to figure out how much traffic is to come in the near future, and automatically adjust traffic signals to accommodate the expected volumes, Pew Trust Research reported.
More sophisticated technologies on the rise enable cars to communicate with each other as well as traffic signals. Using wireless communications, drivers would be informed of the appropriate speed to maintain to avoid traffic light stops and continue a steady flow. If a traffic signal is about to change, the driver will be informed of the need to reduce speed, Pew Trust Research reported.
Related Stories
Can Gondolas Alleviate Traffic?