The Norwalk Common Council in Connecticut this month authorized Mayor Harry Rilling to execute data-sharing agreements with Traffic Technology Services, Inc., Connected Signals, Inc., and Live Traffic Data Corp. “to share real-time traffic signal information in exchange for autonomous information from connected vehicle applications to improve roadway safety, reduce congestion, and optimize traffic flow.”
At no cost to the city, the real-time traffic signal information systems will allow drivers to make smarter decisions, lower fuel emissions, reduce their carbon footprint and increase safety while allowing the Norwalk Department of Public Works to better calibrate the city’s traffic signals. Developers of the program can help improve the efficiency of the city's traffic signal system by, for example, re-timing a traffic signal that currently leaves motorists waiting for a red light for several minutes even though no vehicles are crossing the intersection on the green light.
The BMW Group announced in July 2015 that it was working with Connected Signals to bring a traffic-light predicting app into its vehicles. Audi of America and Traffic Technology Services launched a traffic light information system in select models in fall 2016. Live Traffic Data partners with traffic agencies to install hardware to connect isolated signalized intersections with traffic management centers. The company also provides performance measurement software to monitor and properly retime traffic signals, according to its website.
Connected Signals will be the first system communicating with the approximately 53 city traffic signals that are connected to the traffic management center at the Public Works Department.
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Source: The Hour
