LTA Employs Innovation in Traffic
Forecasting
Traffic Prediction
Tool
1.
Motorists can look forward to more reliable traffic advisory
information in the future, thanks to the Traffic Prediction Tool
(TPT). TPT is a technological tool currently used by the Land
Transport Authority (LTA) to anticipate and manage traffic flow so
as to minimise traffic congestion.
2. The
LTA has been working closely with IBM since 2006 to develop the TPT
for local conditions. A patent-pending technology, the TPT can
currently achieve up to 85% accuracy in predicting traffic volume
and speed 10 minutes ahead, based on the work done in an earlier
phase involving roads in the Central Business District from
December 2006 to April 2007.
3. TPT
predicts traffic speeds and flow using advanced statistical
techniques. It relies on both real-time and historical data to
generate its predictions.
4.
Presently, data on the traffic volume and speed is collected and
fed to the TPT through other Intelligent Transport Systems such as
the EMAS, GLIDE, J- Eyes and Traffic Scan.
5.
Phase 1 of TPT has already been completed. Subsequent phases will
involve more research and development to improve TPT's prediction,
particularly for roads where coverage by sensors are less
comprehensive, and hence, traffic data is still being
obtained.
6. The
TPT is part of LTA's wider effort to employ innovation not just to
improve its traffic management capabilities but also to enhance its
business processes and customer satisfaction.
Traffic Information
Platform
7.
Another innovation that LTA initiated is the Traffic Information
Platform (TRIP). Developed in collaboration with Quantum Inventions
Pte Ltd (QI), TRIP facilitates dynamic navigation applications
which enable motorists to receive real-time traffic information via
portable/in-vehicle navigation devices or mobile phones, in
addition to the internet.
8.
Based on motorists' travel preferences, these applications will
guide them on the most appropriate routes as they travel on the
road. Some of these preferences include advice on faster or cheaper
routes. The dynamic navigation applications were recently featured
during the international Intelligent Transport Systems Asia Pacific
Forum held at Suntec City in July this year. LTA & QI are
working together to offer commercial services by the end of the
year.
Glossary of Terms:
Expressway Monitoring
and Advisory System (EMAS) - Performs live video traffic
surveillance, incident detection and traffic advisory functions. It
can prompt activation of vehicle recovery crews and other emergency
response agencies such as Traffic Police. It also informs motorists
of current traffic conditions through strategically placed
electronic signboards and electronic broadcasts.
Green Link Determining
System (GLIDE) - Co-ordinates and optimises the traffic
light signals to minimise delay to motorists at signalised
junctions.
Junction Electronic
Eyes (J-eyes) - A system of surveillance cameras at
signalised junctions to help traffic operators spot and rectify
causes of traffic congestion.
Enhanced
TrafficScan - A system that collects traffic speeds on
major arterial roads through the use of GPS-equipped
taxis.