The City of Boston has partnered with Google to launch a smart traffic initiative aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing congestion in busy areas. The project uses AI to optimise traffic signal timing, benefiting commuters and the environment.
Project Green Light
Central to this initiative is Project Green Light, a Google Research program that uses AI and Google Maps data to model traffic patterns.
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The system analyses hundreds of signalised intersections to recommend adjustments like improving light synchronisation and reallocating “green time” to better match traffic demand. These changes reduce stop-and-go traffic and vehicle emissions.
Progress and Results
Over the past five months, Boston’s team has used AI tools to study key intersections. “We are just starting to realise the potential of machine learning and AI in some of the City’s core operations,” said Michael Lawrence Evans, Director of Emerging Technology for Boston. Initial results show promise for improving traffic flow.
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Boston is one of 14 cities worldwide, and one of only two in the U.S., participating in Green Light. “The success of Green Light is only possible thanks to partnerships with cities like Boston,” said Matheus Vervloet, Product Manager at Google. “We look forward to scaling this technology to more intersections.”
This partnership demonstrates how AI can tackle urban challenges, making cities like Boston more efficient and sustainable.
