TomTom, a Netherlands-based provider of traffic information, navigation, and mapping products, has announced that its industry-leading live traffic data has been chosen to power the traffic management centers at two of Germany’s leading cities: Frankfurt and Düsseldorf.
Frankfurt and Düsseldorf have implemented an intelligent traffic control system developed by Munich-based GEVAS Software within its Traffic Management Centers which supplements existing road sensor information with TomTom’s detailed live traffic data for an enhanced view of the cities’ traffic flows. By optimizing the efficiency of their road networks and proactively addressing sources of traffic congestion, modern Smart Cities can offer a wide array of benefits to their private and commercial road users, by helping them to reduce fuel consumption, shorten travel times, benefit from smoother traffic flows, improve profitability, and increase overall quality of life.
One means of achieving this is by empowering traffic authorities to identify strategic routes within their road networks, and then, for example, minimize the impact of temporary road closures or construction work by recommending alternate routes to drivers via variable messaging signs (VMS) or web-based communications. With the rich live and historic insights into traffic flows and trends delivered by TomTom’s traffic data, congestion can be monitored and addressed proactively, rather than only responding once a situation has been escalated.
Frankfurt has operated an Integrated Traffic Management Center (IGLZ) with an exceptionally high level of cross-linking since 2001. By connecting almost all potential data providers, actuators, partners and centers it is possible to give reliable up-to-date traffic information to road users and to influence the traffic situation in an effective way.
GEVAS software controls the IGLZ’s core components, comprising traffic situation reports, strategy management with a workflow system, event management, internet information portal, and various interface components for connecting data providers and data recipients.
The Düsseldorf metropolitan area operates a similar comprehensive traffic management system, with GEVAS responsible for the whole traffic management center, and the key Event Manager and Strategy Management components.
The project is a consequent step toward cooperative traffic management: the systems of the City of Düsseldorf and of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia have been connected, forming a fully integrated traffic management system. In case of congestions, joint control strategies are used. Traffic signals and variable message signs can be switched strategically and lead motorists to alternative routes.
“We are on a mission to reduce traffic congestion and transform mobility across the world,” said Anders Truelsen, managing director of TomTom’s Licensing Business Unit. “We provide our data and expertise to cities and traffic managers in innovative and easy-to-use ways, supporting them in making better decisions and developing smarter applications.”
Michael Neuner, head of sales at GEVAS Software, commented, “We are pleased that the citizens of Frankfurt and Düsseldorf will now experience improved traffic conditions thanks to the addition of live traffic data from TomTom. Our expertise in delivering modern traffic management solutions and TomTom’s live traffic data will help to keep traffic flowing.”
