Page 25 - TT mag Sept 2025 Digital Edition

ITS

eliminate congestion. Traffic control
strategies, such as gating, can
relocate congestion but cannot
make it disappear. The core issue The primary function of
becomes a fundamental mismatch modern ATCS is to maximise
between demand and supply.
the operational efficiency of
Given these limitations, what the existing road network. Its
is the justification for investing second, and often overlooked,
in ATCS? The answer lies in its role is to provide the scientific
advanced analytics functions, which
support congestion mitigation data and analytical foundation
strategies that extend beyond signal required for shaping a truly
timing. Technical specifications in efficient and sustainable multi-
Smart City tenders now routinely modal transport system for the
include requirements for such future.”
functionality. A key capability is the
system’s ability to estimate the state — Rajesh Krishnan
of the entire road network, including
links that lack physical detectors.
The output of these analytics can
be instrumental in implementing
effective demand management management strategies, such junctions during periods when they
strategies. as using targeted “nudges” to will have the greatest impact. In the
influence traveller route choice, medium term, interventions such
The state-estimation function departure time, and mode of
of an ATCS provides valuable transport. It also enables informed as junction redesign, removal of
encroachments or road widening
insights into travel patterns, decisions regarding increased public can be prioritised to maximise their
including when people travel, transport capacity on specific, high- effect on reducing congestion.
their origins and destinations, demand routes.
and their chosen routes. This data In the long term, the supply-
identifies which junctions and links The analytical output from an demand mismatch can only be
are oversaturated and pinpoints ATCS can also guide data-driven addressed by treating the entire
the specific times they become decisions for focused traffic transport ecosystem—comprising
congested. Moreover, the system enforcement and medium-term different travel modes, road
can estimate the origins and infrastructure improvements. user types and their activities—
destinations of vehicles contributing For example, enforcement drives holistically. Cities must plan to
to this congestion. This information against illegal parking can be meet mobility demands through an
forms a powerful basis for demand strategically conducted at critical integrated, multi-modal transport
system rather than relying solely
on private vehicles. Public transport
accessibility, frequency and last-
mile connectivity are crucial
for encouraging a modal shift.
Furthermore, walkability is a key
enabler for the success of public
transportation.
Evidence from numerous
international cities demonstrates
that we cannot simply build our
way out of congestion. A holistic
approach that integrates an
efficient public transport system
with a well-managed road network
is the key to achieving congestion-
free cities.

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