Page 43 - Frontier Technologies to Protect the Environment and Tackle Climate Change

Frontier Technologies to Protect the Environment and Tackle Climate Change

Box 5: Moscow’s use of AI for smart traffic management
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Moscow was recently the subject of a comprehensive case study, in which the rapid
evolution and success of its smart and sustainable city journey were mapped in detail. Its
increasing use of AI-powered intelligent traffic control systems is an important element in
its response to the challenge of traffic congestion. Moscow’s Intelligent Transport System
(ITS) was developed as a joint project between the federal government and city officials
looking to reduce the city’s infamous traffic jams. It includes more than 2 000 smart traffic
lights, 3 500 TrafiCam x-stream vehicle presence sensors and 2 000 CCTV cameras that feed
into FLIR Systems that monitor the city’s traffic.
Moscow’s smart intersections are essentially controlled in real time using AI-powered
technology. Four TrafiCam x-stream sensor units (i.e. intelligent, all-in-one cameras) per
intersection detect waiting and approaching vehicles in order to alter and optimize traffic
signal timings. By doing this, FLIR’s TrafiCam x-stream sensors help reduce waiting times at
traffic lights. Based on the information from the TrafiCam x-stream sensors, the ITS can alter
entire traffic signal cycles in real time to respond to changing traffic conditions.

Data from these smart devices are also transferred to the city’s Traffic Management Centre
situation room (as seen in Figure 10), where they are analysed and used to develop targeted
traffic management and mobility strategies. Real-time data is also automatically sent to
electronic displays on Moscow’s highways. These then show commuters real-time information
about highway traffic conditions, weather or pollution conditions, and estimated travel times
– thus empowering citizens with an improved traffic experience in the busy megacity.

Figure 10: Moscow's Traffic Management Centre [x]

As a result of its AI and other complementary, ICT-based traffic mitigation efforts, drivers
in Moscow now spend less time idling at traffic lights or driving around to find a parking
spot. According to the Moscow City Government, average traffic speed within the city
centre has increased by 10–15 per cent from a baseline of 19 kph (11.8 mph). In addition,
implementation of the ITS has reduced search times for available parking spaces by 65 per
cent, on average.
The resulting improvement in traffic flow around the typically busy Belorussky Railway
Station area is seen in Figure 11.

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