With the upgrading economy and increased standard of living, everyone wants a car to commute to as it saves time and money. If we understand everyone's aspect but do not do anything about it, traffic control in Melbourne or anywhere will be serious. Mobility in cities, encompassing everything from traffic management to public transportation and infrastructure systems.
Internet of Things (IoT), particularly automotive IoT, assists cities in gathering and analyzing data at an unprecedented rate. Smart cities are making vital decisions based on both real-time and historical traffic data.
While many cities that are pioneering Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) rely on sensors put in infrastructure, we are seeing that these costly approaches are being replaced or supplemented with other technologies. Singapore was the first smart nation; they took this initiative in 2014, and they have observed many benefits, let's see what they are? And also get a sneak peek at intelligent transportation systems (ITS).
The Benefits of Smart Traffic Management:
- Detection And Mitigation Of Traffic Congestion: The traffic control unit collects data from sensors and peripherals and assists in the detection of traffic congestion. Based on the detection, the system takes self-decisions and works to reduce traffic.
- Real-Time Traffic Light Timing: The smart traffic management system enables real-time traffic signal operation. Traffic functions automatically in response to traffic congestion.
- Road Accident Protection: The likelihood of a road accident can be lowered by installing this technology.
- Reduction in Pollution: As a result of better traffic flow management, pollution is decreased.
What is the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)?
The Traffic Management Center (TMC) is an important part of the ITS. It is primarily a transportation authority-managed technical system. All data is collected and evaluated here for future operations and real-time traffic control plans, as well as information regarding local transportation vehicles.
The TMC's well-organized and efficient operations rely on automated data gathering with precise location information, data processing to provide accurate information, and then delivery of that information to travelers.
Benefits of ITS:
Traffic Signal Coordination (TSC) - TSC synchronizes many junctions to optimize the performance of one or more directional movements in a system. A few examples include arterial routes, downtown networks, and intersections that are closely spaced.
Ramp Meter (RM) - Traffic signals on the freeway ramp meters alternate between red and green signals to control the flow of vehicles entering the highway. Depending on freeway traffic circumstances, meter rates can be changed.
Electronic Toll Collecting (ETC) - This improves the operational efficiency and convenience of toll collection by automating payment collection at toll plazas. Electronic readers in dedicated or mixed-use lanes at toll plazas typically recognize vehicle-mounted transponders. ETC can increase mobility effectively.
Transit Signal Priority (TSP) - TSP gives transit vehicles priority at signalized intersections. TSP systems use sensors to detect arriving transit vehicles and adjust signal timings to optimize transit performance. Specific systems, for example, increase the duration of green signals for public transportation when necessary. As transit vehicles may transport a large number of passengers, giving them priority at an intersection may increase the number of people who pass through.
How are ITS Used in Australia?
ITS technology is already being used in a variety of applications. Following are some of its uses:
- Active traffic planning use variable message and speed signs, toll collection locations and ramp signals to coordinate traffic flow.
- Drivers can get traffic and road condition updates via their vehicle GPS systems. Manufacturers are already exchanging data to create a real-time model of traffic flows using data provided by individual vehicles in some cases.
- Telemetric tracks a vehicle's movements and can collect data such as speed, location and mass. Many transportation businesses are already using this technology, and it is now required by law.
- Due to reliability, it provides real-time information on the basis of location, speed and length of trains using the network.
- Through an integrated monitoring system, driver monitoring technology can assist in lowering the likelihood of fatigue-related accidents.
Conclusion:
With the rapid expansion of urbanization, the number of automobiles on the road is also increasing; hence, traffic control management in Melbourne or any such city is a must. As a result, cities are under enormous pressure to maintain a better transportation system so that they can continue to travel without interruption.
The only solution is to use an Intelligent Transport System for this purpose. ITS is a win-win situation for both citizens and municipal administration since it offers citizens with safety and comfort while making maintenance and surveillance easier for city officials.