Audi of America has expanded its vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) connected Traffic Light Information (TLI) system to include Green Light Optimized Speed Advisory (GLOSA) for selected models in the USA.
The new GLOSA information can provide speed recommendations to drivers of select Audi 2017 and newer models that can assist drivers in catching the ‘green wave’, helping to reduce the number of stops at red lights.
GLOSA uses traffic signal information and the current position of a vehicle to display a speed recommendation intended to enable drivers to pass traffic lights during a green interval, in order to help reduce the number of stops, fuel usage and resulting emissions. The distance to stop, the speed limit profile for the area and the signal timing plans are all used to calculate the speed recommendation displayed to the driver.
In collaboration with Traffic Technology Services (TTS), Audi launched its TLI system as a Prime feature in 2016, enabling certain models to communicate with roadside infrastructure in several cities and metropolitan areas across the USA.
Currently, more than 4,700 intersections across the country support both the ‘time-to-green’ and GLOSA functionalities, including: Dallas and Houston (Texas); Denver (Colorado); Gainesville and Orlando (Florida); Kansas City (Kansas); Las Vegas (Nevada); Los Angeles and San Francisco (California); New York City; Phoenix (Arizona); Portland (Oregon); Washington DC; and northern Virginia.
Requiring in-vehicle cellular connectivity and the availability of a GPS signal, when a TLI-equipped Audi approaches a connected traffic light, it receives real-time signal information from the traffic management system that monitors intersection lights via the onboard 4G LTE cellular data connection.
When the light is red, the TLI feature will display the time remaining until the signal changes to green in the instrument cluster in front of the driver or in the head-up display (if equipped). The ‘time-to-green’ information lets the driver know approximately how much time remains before the light changes.
Future iterations of the V2I technology could include integration with the vehicle’s start/stop function, optimized navigation routing and other predictive services. These services are designed to help reduce congestion and enhance vehicle flow on crowded roadways.
“We are committed to moving America in many ways, including through the development of industry-leading connectivity and mobility solutions,” said Mark Del Rosso, president of Audi of America. “Not only do vehicle-to-infrastructure technologies like GLOSA benefit drivers today, they’re also the critical steps needed as we continue toward an automated future.”
As one of the road operators in a region where the TLI system is being piloted, Virginia’s Secretary of Transportation, Shannon Valentine, commented, “VDOT’s collaboration with Audi, TTS, and other innovative companies leverages the Commonwealth’s data and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications, preparing us for more connected and automated vehicles on our roadways. We are committed to improving safety, reducing congestion, and exploring opportunities to partner with the private sector.”
