Google is leveraging its Maps app to provide cities with free, AI-optimized traffic signal timing suggestions. By utilizing its access to vast amounts of daily traffic data, Google aims to reduce stop/starts by 30% and intersection emissions by 10%. The initiative, known as Project Green Light, has already partnered with 12 cities globally and offers timing recommendations for 70 different intersections. Implementing these recommendations is a quick task that can be accomplished using the city’s existing management systems.
One of the main advantages of this project is the wealth of data at Google’s disposal. City traffic engineers typically lack the comprehensive and high-quality information that Google obtains from its numerous Android devices and in-car navigation systems, which constantly report location data.
In addition, the Google Research team has developed AI tools and expertise to create models of individual intersections and their traffic signals and patterns using Maps data. These models are then scaled to include other intersections in the same area, ensuring optimal synchronization and smooth traffic flow.
Google Research
Through this tool, thousands of intersections can be modeled and analyzed simultaneously, developing a comprehensive view of traffic flow across the entire city. Virtual experimentation allows for the optimization of signal timings, creating a “green wave” that minimizes travel time, fuel consumption, and emissions for as many drivers as possible.
According to the project website, early results indicate a potential reduction of up to 30% in stops and a 10% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. While these numbers refer to specific intersections, the impact could be significant when scaled up for widespread implementation.
The initial cities participating in Project Green Light encompass diverse driving conditions, including Rio de Janeiro, Seattle, Hamburg, Bangalore, Haifa, Budapest, Kolkata, Abu Dhabi, Hyderabad, Manchester, Bali, and Jakarta. These cities are trialing the project on 70 intersections, which collectively handle around 30 million car trips monthly.
David Atkin, the Analysis and Reporting Manager at Transport for Greater Manchester, praised Green Light for uncovering opportunities that were previously unseen and guiding engineers towards potential timing adjustments that would yield benefits. He emphasized that the collaboration between Green Light and Transport for Greater Manchester resulted in improved journeys and reduced emissions, highlighting the valuable insights provided by the project.
Google is encouraging other cities to join the waitlist, with plans to expand the program to additional locations in the future. Watch the video below to learn more:
Can Google AI help cities reduce traffic emissions?
Source: Google Research
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