Skip to main content

Need for real-time traffic information systems on the rise

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Strategic Analysis of Real-time Traffic Information Market in Europe and North America, finds that the number of real-time traffic information subscribers in North America stood at 1.9 million units in 2014 and estimates this to reach 14.2 million in 2021. In Europe, the number is expected to go up from 2.2 million in 2014 to 10.2 million in 2021. With traffic expanding at three times the rate of the economy, the research says the need for intelligent systems like real-ti
March 11, 2015 Read time: 3 mins
New analysis from 2097 Frost & Sullivan, Strategic Analysis of Real-time Traffic Information Market in Europe and North America, finds that the number of real-time traffic information subscribers in North America stood at 1.9 million units in 2014 and estimates this to reach 14.2 million in 2021. In Europe, the number is expected to go up from 2.2 million in 2014 to 10.2 million in 2021.

With traffic expanding at three times the rate of the economy, the research says the need for intelligent systems like real-time traffic information (RTTI) services is on the rise in North America and Europe. The emergence of smart cities and deployment of advanced technologies such as predictive traffic and vehicle-to-vehicle communication will continue to drive the RTTI market in the future. For now, the integration with public transport information to help commuters estimate their time of arrival (ETA) based on factors such as traffic flow will enable RTTI to appeal to a larger audience.

The fact that the RTTI space is yet to capitalise on the amount of data and sources currently available is an indication that adoption is bound to take off in the near future.
"Big data analytics will be the single largest technology supporting the implementation of predictive traffic, signal management, road infrastructure maintenance, and accident reduction solutions," said Frost & Sullivan Automotive and Transportation research analyst Ramnath Eswaravadivoo. "Hence, it is important that the data collector, data aggregator, and data integrator co-exist for the smooth functioning of the RTTI ecosystem."

The biggest factor restraining RTTI use is the high subscription cost. Moreover, the limit on downloading data even after end users have paid a substantial subscription fee deters adoption. Lowering the subscription fee, offering an unlimited data download limit, or making the RTTI service standard in every car for a low cost will be essential to encourage uptake.

In addition, commuters consider RTTI as just a simple navigation tool offered at an extra cost. Technology providers must conduct awareness programs and workshops to help the public understand the significance of RTTI.

"Consumers must be made aware of how RTTI can decrease emissions, waiting time in traffic, and fuel wasted while idling," urged Eswaravadivoo. "Integrating solutions into one consistent and user-friendly service rather than providing separate apps for navigation, traffic, parking and fuel will also attract more consumers in the North American and European RTTI market."

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • By 2018, ASEAN will be 6th largest automotive market in the world
    August 24, 2012
    The ASEAN region is set to become the 6th biggest automotive market globally by 2018 with vehicle sales almost doubling to nearly 4.7 million units as compared to 2.4 million in 2011, according to new analysis from Frost & Sullivan. Entitled CEO 360 Degree Perspective of the Automotive Industry in ASEAN, (covering four key automotive markets in ASEAN - Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam) the study finds that the market is likely to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1 per cent (2011-2
  • App to give real-time estimate of bus arrival time
    March 7, 2013
    Florida’s Hillsborough Area Rapid Transit Authority (HART) is testing a smartphone application that would inform passengers in real time when buses will arrive. The OneBusAway pilot project is part of HART’s ongoing effort to provide bus information on mobile devices, officials said. The system would allow users to enter a numeric code for their bus stop and receive information on the length of time before the bus reaches them. A HART survey found that more than half of 400 respondents indicated real-time i
  • Consumer telematics driving automotive electronics
    February 3, 2012
    This year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas was characterised by consumer telematics solutions, writes Dave McNamara
  • Global road safety market expected to reach US$5.73 billion by 2019
    March 26, 2015
    The latest report by Marketsandmarkets, "Road Safety Market by Types (Highways and Bridges Safety, Urban Roads Safety and Tunnels Safety) & Systems (Red Light Enforcement, Speed Limit Enforcement, Bus Lane Enforcement, Communication, Incident Detection) - Worldwide Market Forecast (2014-2019)", indicates that the road safety market is expected to grow from US$3.37 billion in 2014 to US$5.73 billion in 2019, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2 per cent from 2014 to 2019. In terms of regions,