Connected Signals delivers real-time signal data in Gainesville, Florida

Thanks to a partnership between Connected Signals and The City of Gainesville, area drivers now know when traffic lights are going to change, and that knowledge can save money and lives.

In April 2017, Gainesville began work on a pilot project with Connected Signals, Inc., a provider of real-time, predictive traffic signal information, as part of the University of Florida Transportation Institute's I-STREET testbed. I-STREET was created in partnership with Florida Depart of Transportation's (FDOT) Connected Vehicle Initiative to test connected and autonomous vehicle technologies. The pilot, one of the first of its kind in Florida, has continued to roll out, and nearly all of Gainesville's traffic signals are online with Connected Signals' smart signal information.

Connected Signals securely aggregates real-time signal information via its patented data-capture device and feeds it through predictive algorithms to determine information (such as when lights will be changing from red to green and vice versa). The information is then delivered to Gainesville drivers via Connected Signals' free Enlighten mobile phone app. This information will ultimately also be made available through direct integration into connected cars' displays and powertrains.

Available features currently include red light countdowns and green-wave speed indicators so that drivers make smarter decisions: to take their foot off the pedal and coast to the light, to slow down sooner, or to not rush to "make a light" that is impossible to make, etc. The green wave speed indicator is particularly effective in helping drivers to safely adjust their speed to get into a wave of green lights and avoid stopping altogether. This data, when shared with vehicle and drivers, can improve fuel efficiency by 8"“15% and reduce red-light crashes by 25%.

"Connected Signals has been so helpful in advancing our smart traffic technology initiative," said Emmanuel Posadas, traffic operations manager at The City of Gainesville. "The level of support we have received has been incredible, the installation was straightforward through all three rollouts, and the information we're receiving is very secure"“and yet accessible to those with whom we want to share it. What's also really incredible is that Connected Signals provides the technology and the support at no cost to municipalities and traffic signal maintaining agencies if they allow data sharing."

"It's great to work with cities, like Gainesville, who are leading the charge and advocating advanced technology for traffic solutions," said Matt Ginsberg, CEO and cofounder of Connected Signals. "Lowering fuel emissions, reducing carbon footprint, increasing safety are all hugely noble efforts worth pursuing"”and that's why we are thrilled to provide this service to municipalities and agencies at no charge."

Many other cities and towns around the globe are using Connected Signals' real-time, predictive traffic information to help their citizens drive more safely and economically. Ginsberg continued, "This program has been successful in Gainesville, and we are now working with other agencies in Florida, as part of FDOT's initiative, that we expect to be able to announce by the end of the year."