Urban Traffic Control

Re-timing traffic signals delivers cost benefits

June 28, 2012

Nashville's signal optimisation programme produced a stunning return on investment. Are those results exceptional? Could similar results be replicated in cities across the US and indeed the world? ITS International spoke to Chris Rhodes, P.E. of Kimley-Horn and Associates, project leader for the Nashville signal optimisation programme. "You have to bear in mind that with signal optimisation programmes you don't see, for instance, physical construction or new pieces of equipment on the roadside that someone

Suna Traffic Channel launches in New Zealand

June 26, 2012

Intelematics Australia, the company behind Suna Traffic Channel, has embarked on its first international venture with the launch of the service in New Zealand to provide live traffic updates on Garmin Nüvi models as well as an in-app purchase on the Magellan RoadMate AU and NZ App for iPhone. “SUNA is now providing up-to-the-minute- information on traffic congestion and road incidents directly to compatible navigation devices to motorists in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch,” said Adam Game, CCEO, Inte

Anti-graffiti coating for traffic equipment

June 25, 2012

Siemens has launched a new low-cost coating for traffic controllers and signals which provides lasting protection against dirt and acts as an anti-graffiti barrier, making it difficult to attach posters or write on the protected surface. According to head of product management, Keith Manston, the new coating is completely transparent so does not affect the appearance of coated products. Treated surfaces are up to 80% self-cleaning. Coated assets such as VMS signs and controller cabinets require little atten

FSTech awarded TxDoT back office operations contract

June 25, 2012

Federal Signal Technologies (FSTech) has been awarded a three year back office system and operations contract by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDoT). The contract, valued at US$68 million, also provides for two extensions, each of three years. FSTech's major subcontractors are Faneuil and Municipal Services Bureau (MSB).

White Plains opts for TransCore solution

June 25, 2012

The city of White Plains in New York is deploying a new SCATS-based adaptive traffic signal control system from TransCore. The system will collect real-time information and then adjust signal timing parameters on a cycle-by-cycle basis on one of the city’s major arterials. Previous conventional traffic control techniques, such as time-of-day signal timing and responsive timing plan selection, were not able to accommodate all the variable and unpredictable traffic conditions experienced on the Tarrytown Road

Over $13 billion to be invested in ITS in six years

June 25, 2012

According to a new report from Pike Research, ITS will see increased investment in coming years even as government budgets are tightening, because smart transport is seen as a way to maximise existing transportation systems without making major new capital investments. The company forecasts that global investment in smart transportation systems will total US$13.1 billion between 2011 and 2017. “Most of this investment will be in intelligent traffic management systems, as this is the sector with the broadest

Highlighting TEN-T success

June 25, 2012

The Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency (TEN-T EA) has launched a new campaign called “10 out of TEN” with the aim of showcasing successfully implemented TEN-T projects. A special publication highlights a selection of 10 implementation successes of this programme while a special section of the TEN-T EA’s website showcases these and other completed projects that the agency has managed on behalf of the European Commission. This section will continue to expand as more projects are successfully co

ITS toolkit now available!

June 25, 2012

An ITS toolkit, developed within the 2Decide project funded by the European Commission DG Move (Mobility & Transport), is now publicly available free of charge (registration is required). The Toolkit – funded through the EC’s 7th Framework Programme for Research & Development – covers intelligent transport systems for road and public transport applications. It can be used to search for ITS applications relevant to specific context (geographical region, area of transport, problem or policy goal). It can also

Cofiroute USA installs management system for 91 Express Lanes

June 25, 2012

Cofiroute USA, which introduced toll road automation on the 91 Express Lanes in Orange County, California, has installed a fully integrated back office system as part of a five year US$38.5 million contract awarded earlier this year. The system provides for transponder tracking, accounting, a web-based consumer interface and dynamic pricing capabilities. The company worked with its software partner TollPlus to meet the specific requirements of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). This include

Insight into €7.7 billion European transport funding

June 25, 2012

Horizon 2020, the European Commission proposal for a new Research & Innovation Framework Programme which comes into force in January 2014, will be the focus of attention at the TRA 2012 transport event being held in April in Athens. The transport component of Horizon 2020 is worth n7.7 billion. Delegates will be able to take part in a series of 13 strategic sessions covering all modes and tackling the entire spectrum of activities envisaged by the framework programme to achieve smart, green and integrated t