W ith high focus and funding on urban projects , net zero goals and growing social pressure for accessibility , urban landscapes are rapidly changing across the world . The adoption of Smart Transportation and traffic management solutions is helping with this demand and is reforming how we travel . This change goes beyond simple efficiency as this technology is enhancing safety , accessibility and sustainability in our cities .
Taking a look at the technology itself , Internet of Things technology ( IoT ) arguably is the key technology in making Smart Cities smart . IoT devices include Smart Metres , streetlights , public transport systems and traffic management systems , to collect and transmit data to central systems . This data is then used to further relieve pain points and improve infrastructures . These devices can also depend on other technologies like AI or 5G for a fast and responsive network .
Efficiency is appealing and having devices communicate with you , the traveller , can make visiting a city a more enriching experience . Car parking , for example , can be a time-eating endeavour in which we spend potentially hours trying to source a safe , affordable and localised place to leave our transport . Examples of parking solutions include San Francisco ’ s Smart Ticketing , used to streamline processes and allows authorities to adjust parking prices based on the number of available spaces and more commonly in other cities , we are seeing the use of sensors to identify empty parking spaces in multistoreys to reduce searching times . Efficient public transport can also make our visits or commutes a more enjoyable experience , with device communication offering real-time updates , whilst also supporting bus / tram / taxi drivers with Smart Corridors that alert drivers of upcoming traffic conditions , results in punctuality .
The relationship between foot traffic and road traffic can also be improved by introducing concepts like Smart Streetlighting which improves the safety and visibility for pedestrians and drivers , including Personal Light Electric Vehicles ( PLEVs ) like electric scooters , hoverboards and Segways . Another solution is adaptive traffic signals which offer real-time traffic management , taking fluctuating traffic conditions into account unlike traditional traffic signals that employ timers and inductive loops for light changes , resulting in unnecessary waiting times and congestion .
Another opportunity for Smart Transport and traffic management solutions to change our urban mobility for the better is by making cities more accessible and safe places for people with disabilities . As accessible pedestrian signals ( APS ) traditionally rely on pushbuttons , a company called Inclusivity City Maker created their own APS , aBeacon , which uses remote activation and provides audio information about crossings , street names and directions , all easily controlled with a remote . This is just one example of how smart technology can change urban mobility for the better .
In this month ’ s Editor ’ s Question , we ask two experts from Cubic Transport Systems and Carteav , for their insights on how smart transportation and traffic management solutions are shaping urban mobility .
HOW ARE SMART TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS SHAPING URBAN MOBILITY ?
www . intelligentbuild . tech 25