Texas-based transportation equipment developer Trafficware has released cloud-based traffic signal performance measures (SPM), an out-of-the-box software as a service (SaaS) system for storing and analyzing high-resolution data that is collected from a traffic signal network.
The SPM is the latest application in the Trafficware Cloud, which also includes connected vehicle and parking guidance systems. With more than 330,000 traffic signals operating in the USA alone, transportation agencies rarely have the resources to retime signals on the recommended three-five-year cycle. The company’s new SPM service can significantly reduce the expense of contracting outside vendors for costly analysis that does not provide comprehensive coverage 24/7 and 365 days a year. For most agencies, citizen complaints are the primary measure of signalized intersection performance. However, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is promoting automated traffic signal performance measures in Every Day Counts (EDC-4) as a means to improve traditional processes through automated data collection.
The benefits of deploying SPM technology are increased safety by shifting to proactive operations and maintenance practices, targeted maintenance, and improved operations. With active monitoring of signalized intersections, an agency can now address problems before they become complaints.
The Cloud SPM software provides access to the information at any time, 24/7, 365 days a year. This allows traffic engineers to make better and more timely decisions. With immediate access to a library of data, engineers can quickly identify potential signal timing issues before they are noticed, saving time and money, pinpointing problems immediately. The SPM cloud service also provides the same reports developed by leading Departments of Transportation (DOTs), including those in Indiana and Utah, and Purdue University, all combined with additional reports developed by the company.
“We have supported Signal Performance Measure methodologies for the last several releases of ATMS.now, our central transportation management system. However, customers using the SPM methodology have spent significant sums of money on data storage to house it behind their firewall,” explained Jon Newhard, Trafficware’s CEO.
“Now, with functionality available in the Trafficware Cloud, we can dramatically reduce the cost of using Signal Performance Measures for traffic agencies, which can assist the continued adoption of this important methodology. SPM is also a fundamental building block for smart cities initiatives. Automated access to signal data helps to lay the groundwork for the ultimate ‘Smart Traffic Signal’ along with real-time adaptive technologies and V2I connected signals.”
