Trafik Stockholm uses data gathered from Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to alleviate congestion

Trafik Stockholm (TS) has chosen Blip Track technology from Denmark-based Blip Systems to alleviate congestion on the city's road by providing live traffic information via real-time and historical travel flow data from road users’ Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices. Travel times are continuously updated in line with the behaviour of road users so that by considering their route and the time they depart, they can help to reduce bottlenecks and keep traffic moving. The technology provides a birds-eye view of the
November 20, 2017 Read time: 3 mins

Trafik Stockholm (TS) has chosen Blip Track technology from Denmark-based Blip Systems to alleviate congestion on the city's road by providing live traffic information via real-time and historical travel flow data from road users’ Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices. Travel times are continuously updated in line with the behaviour of road users so that by considering their route and the time they depart, they can help to reduce bottlenecks and keep traffic moving.

The technology provides a birds-eye view of the traffic network and statistical information on the travel times, average speed, dwell times, and movement patterns.

Additionally, the empirical data is used to detect driving time anomalies to pinpoint road sections and intersections where driving times deviate from the norm. These can include scenarios such as construction projects, incidents, roadwork, faulty traffic lights and other factors.

If driving times deviate from the typical driving time, the system automatically raises a flag. As the system logs and visualises all deviations, traffic engineers can create historical performance and reliability reports. Managers are provided with an overview of the current situation and tendencies over time, to allow for road improvements and development where needed.

Otto Astrand, traffic analyst at TS, said: “We use the data for measuring the development in traffic density, speed and congestion. South of Stockholm, where we first installed the solution, will be a roadwork zone for many years ahead, when building the Stockholm Bypass. It will not only affect the main highway (E4) running through the work zone, but also the surrounding roads. With BlipTrack we are able to measure the capacity and traffic flow in real-time in and around the area. This allows us to take proactive steps to initiate countermeasures, if traffic build-up should occur. It also helps us to understand various traffic-related matters, such as the impact of traffic control, weather-related patterns, congestion patterns at roadworks, accidents and events, and driving behaviours and patterns. With this information, we can evaluate and validate existing traffic models and make informed decisions about where to prioritise expansions and optimisations to help the daily commute.”

Astrand added that the analysed data is also used to display live traffic information on signs around the city. “We also use the data to display live travel times via Trafiken.nu, which is our traffic information hub, and on around 40 VMS [variable message signs] placed around the city. The travel times help road users to make informed decisions about their journey, both in real-time and for those planning their daily commute."

Urban Traffic Control

Related Content

  • Flexibility, interoperability is key to future traffic management
    February 3, 2012
    Jon Taylor of Faber Maunsell and Tabatha Bailey of Transport for London describe how an unusual mix of traffic practitioners, researchers and industry are working together to build new tools for the future. As we face higher expectations for managing congestion from both citizens and politicians, and as more and more data is becoming available from new sources, our traffic management challenge is changing.
    Read More
  • US state of the art workzone safety
    January 25, 2012
    The Texas Transportation Institute's Jerry Ullman talks about the state of the art in work zone safety in the US. Work zones are places where, perhaps more than anywhere else on the road network, mobility and safety are strongly linked. Historically, field crews and contractors wanted vehicles in work zones to be moving as slowly as possible, assuming that made conditions the safest for work crews. We are though starting to see a shift in such thinking with the realisation that excessive delays or slow-down
    Read More
  • Gothenburg to implement congestion charging
    February 2, 2012
    Gothenburg, which is line to become Sweden's second major city to implement congestion charging, will not enjoy the pre-deployment trials and referendum which Stockholm did. But, says the STA's Eva Söderberg, this is less of an issue than might be imagined
    Read More
  • ITS technology reduces congestion, improves workzone safety
    July 17, 2012
    As the road-building season gets under way in the US, the Federal Highway Administration has just published a White Paper which deals with the use of ITS technology in work zones. On 30 April 2009, the US Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published a White Paper which was prepared by the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) to inform public agencies about the use of ITS to manage construction work zones. This is a particularly relevant topic given the large number of construction projects that are ex
    Read More

Highlighted Content