One of the market leaders in traffic signal priority systems, Global Traffic Technologies (GTT), has released a new mobility analysis application that aims to help transit agencies improve travel times and operations as cities look to become smarter and more connected.
GTT has launched Opticom Analytics for Public Transit, a web-based platform can help public transport agencies assess performance, reveal problem areas and make corrections to provide faster, more efficient transit operations.
The company first released Opticom Analytics for public safety agencies and emergency response services in June 2017. The analytics capabilities were expanded this year to enable transit agencies to easily view critical information about their vehicles as they pass through an intersection, as well as powerful schedule-based analytics available as part of GTT’s Opticom Connected Vehicle Platform (CVP).
Transit managers can now monitor key metrics such as on-time performance, Transit Signal Priority (TSP) usage, current route/trip information, and dwell or travel times by vehicle or route
Not only can GTT’s system provide historical and real-time data related to how well operations are performing, but with the Opticom TSP system, buses can request an extended or truncated traffic light cycle, reducing travel time and maximizing operational and on-time performance.
The analytics software relies on data collected from Opticom’s GPS-enabled hardware and the Opticom CVP. Information from the onboard equipment is securely uploaded to the analytics platform via a wi-fi or cellular connection, with GPS data logged at one-second intervals for accurate and detailed vehicle and intersection information.
The platform allows users to study operations, including:
• Assess performance – The interface provides an easy means to evaluate vehicle, route and intersection performance, including on-time performance, current vehicle location, signal priority usage and travel time;
• Reveal problem areas – Mapping functions reveal problems, including slowdowns and delays caused by heavy traffic or a lack of priority control. Route and vehicle data show on-time performance and other key metrics;
• Make corrections – Agencies can fix problem areas by adjusting the priority control system, adding components or performing maintenance.
“Transit managers can monitor their operations using real-time and historical data to assess operational performance,” explained GTT product manager Chad Mack. “This data has been available for years, but Opticom Analytics’ value comes from the ability to collect and analyze the data in a meaningful way. Once they pinpoint the problem areas, agencies can make adjustments to enable faster travel times and reduce the chance of a delay.”
