Daily commutes in highly populated areas can be smooth sailing— or a tense and even dangerous test of driving and patience. Traffic jams and delays result in lost time, contribute to air pollution and carbon emissions, cost drivers money for extra fuel, and can trigger accidents. Ultimately, congestion produces stress and decreases the quality of life for the entire community.
The management of traffic requires harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology, advanced data analytics, and proven best practices to optimize traffic management, increase safety, and enhance overall transportation efficiency. By integrating state-of-the-art systems and data captured through multiple platforms from different perspectives, traffic management specialists can make improvements that better serve motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users. As part of their process, traffic corridors are studied and evaluated, and traffic signal design and timing are adjusted to optimize traffic flow.
Major population centers and populated areas often rely on Regional Transportation Management Centers (RTMCs). These central hubs manage and coordinate transportation in several ways. The RTMC utilizes specially trained staff and technology to monitor traffic conditions continuously. They can make adjustments to signals and lanes in certain situations to better manage flow. They monitor freeways, tunnels, managed lanes, ramp signaling, and arterials. They also continuously collect data to evaluate and improve traffic management strategies and plan for future traffic volume. One of their most important roles is to coordinate with emergency responders to efficiently respond to accidents and facilitate their travel to other emergencies.
Best-in-class RTMCs take a unified data approach. Their team of skilled traffic management specialists evaluates real-time data and historical performance to generate data-driven stories that are accurate, useful and insightful. By combining data from multiple platforms, they can generate a complete view of operations to analyze specific time periods or situations, establish benchmarks, and compare current performance against historical data. For example, if there is a recurring issue on a specific intersection during peak hours, the team can generate a 360-degree data view of the situation, with customizable correlations between data sources. This analysis helps the team detect and identify the cause of the issue and facilitate a solution with better accuracy and effectiveness. These RTMCs foster a culture of continuous improvement with an eye on the future and a goal to deliver transportation solutions that exceed the expectations of the traveling public.
The technology employed to manage the most complex RTMC operations is impressive and evolving. From real-time data and communication tools to enhance operations efficiency to adaptive traffic signal controls and video feed encoders for traffic detection, trained operators utilize technology that allows them to respond proactively and efficiently. Traffic teams are also beginning to integrate AI and machine learning algorithms to predict traffic patterns and potential issues before they occur. These technologies generate automated alerts to inform staff of any anomalies, allowing for quicker response time. Another critical use of technology is aimed at creating transparency with the public. Public dashboards driven by real-time data inform the traveling public about traffic situations and provide an opportunity for the public to report traffic issues.
Due to population growth, South Florida and the eastern coastal region are taking a systematic and proactive approach to traffic management and the management of RTMCs. By leveraging technology to stay ahead of emerging trends and challenges, their traffic management teams are working to provide the most effective and sustainable transportation management solutions. They are committed to creating transportation environments that are as safe and stress-free as possible for the many growing communities they serve.