Skip to main content

Siemens invests in connected vehicle technology for Smart Columbus initiative

Siemens Intelligent Traffic Systems is providing an in-kind investment of its connected vehicle hardware and software technologies to Columbus, Ohio, the recent winner of the US Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Smart City Challenge. Siemens’ investment, valued at US$385,000, aims to support the expansion of the ‘Smart Columbus’ initiative. The advanced hardware and software will act as the foundation for the city’s future connected vehicle efforts, enabling vehicles to communicate with traffic infrast
May 12, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
189 Siemens Intelligent Traffic Systems is providing an in-kind investment of its connected vehicle hardware and software technologies to Columbus, Ohio, the recent winner of the 324 US Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Smart City Challenge.


Siemens’ investment, valued at US$385,000, aims to support the expansion of the ‘Smart Columbus’ initiative. The advanced hardware and software will act as the foundation for the city’s future connected vehicle efforts, enabling vehicles to communicate with traffic infrastructure and, as a result, improve driver and pedestrian safety, reduce congestion and lower emissions.

The Siemens intelligent software and hardware package for Columbus includes connected vehicle-ready traffic control software that provides operators with detailed traffic signal phase timing, roadside units that allow traffic intersections to communicate with vehicles and roadside unit management software that gives operators real-time visibility into traffic flow and connected vehicle operations. Siemens will also provide the city with training and support.

As part of its Smart Columbus initiative, the city will determine the most effective use cases and locations to implement the connected vehicle technology.

The City of Columbus won the USDOT US$40 million Smart City Challenge in June 2016 after competing against 77 cities nationwide. Columbus was also awarded a US$10 million grant by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the de-carbonisation of the electric supply and transportation sectors.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Bespoke ITS is helping to reduced collisions on America’s rural roads
    October 22, 2014
    David Crawford cherrypicks conference and award highlights Almost 30% of all US citizens live in rural areas or very small communities, and 34 of the 50 states exceed this level in their own populations, with the proportions rising as high as 85%. And although rural routes carry only 35% of all traffic, the accidents that occur on them account for some 54% of all US road traffic accident deaths.
  • McCain showcases C-V2X connected vehicle demo at CES 2018
    January 11, 2018
    McCain is showcasing its connected vehicle-ready technology at a live Cellular-V2X (C-V2X) demonstration with Qualcomm Technologies during the Consumer Electronics Show 2018. It aims to show how the technology can enable data exchange between vehicles and traffic to improve safety, optimize traffic flow and prepare for automated driving. For the demonstration, McCain’s advanced transportation solutions are supplying real-time traffic data, including Signal Phase and Timing, and traffic pre-emption, to
  • Want intelligent transit? Then share data
    March 2, 2022
    How will the US deploy intelligent transit networks that enable connected vehicles? Data sharing is crucial if urban mobility users are to benefit, explains Timothy Menard of Lyt
  • Need for secure approach to connected vehicle technology
    January 7, 2013
    Accidental or malicious issue of false messages to connected vehicles could result in dire consequences, so secure systems of authentication and certification are likely to be necessary, write Paul Avery and Sandra Dykes. Connectivity among vehicles in urban traffic systems will provide opportunity for beneficial impacts such as congestion reduction and greater safety. However, it also creates security risks with the potential for targeted disruption. Security algorithms, protocols and procedures must take