In partnership with Yunex Traffic and the University of Arizona’s Center for Applied Transportation Sciences (CATS), Western Systems is revolutionizing traffic management through Connected Vehicles (CV) technology in the city of Phoenix, Arizona. This innovative collaboration focuses on smart preemption and priority solutions, addressing the challenges of traffic safety and efficiency in both urban and rural areas. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, this initiative is shaping the future of transportation.
The Power of Smart Preemption for Emergency Response
At the heart of this CV solution lies advanced smart preemption technology, designed to improve emergency response times with cutting-edge products like RSU2X, OBU V2V, and traffic controllers. This technology communicates with traffic signals to clear the way for emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars by adjusting traffic lights in real time. By reducing delays, smart preemption can make a life-or-death difference in urgent situations, enabling first responders to navigate traffic efficiently and reach their destinations faster, ultimately saving lives and protecting property.
Prioritizing Public Transportation to Reduce Traffic Congestion
Priority solutions aren’t just for emergencies; they are also being applied to public transportation. Through smart priority features, transit vehicles receive real-time signal adjustments, reducing their wait times at intersections. Prioritizing buses and other transit vehicles helps to streamline traffic flow and reduce overall congestion, encouraging more efficient and eco-friendly travel options for commuters.
Roadside Units and Onboard Systems for Seamless Communication
A key component of this CV solution is the integration of Roadside Units (RSUs) and onboard systems. RSUs act as critical communication points, linking vehicles and infrastructure in real time. Installed at key intersections, they interact with traffic signals and emergency vehicles, ensuring priority solutions function seamlessly. This setup not only supports preemption for critical vehicles but also improves the flow of public transportation, allowing cities to manage both safety and efficiency dynamically.
Real-Time Data for Enhanced Situational Awareness
Smart preemption and priority solutions are supported by a constant stream of real-time data. RSUs and onboard units monitor traffic density, vehicle location, and signal timing, providing essential information that keeps the entire system responsive. This live data collection allows for precise adjustments to traffic signals, minimizing disruptions and providing smoother travel for prioritized vehicles. In short, real-time data gives traffic managers the insights needed to keep city streets running safely and efficiently.
Integrating Cellular Connectivity for Broader Reach
Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (CV2X) technology plays a crucial role in enabling continuous communication, even in areas with limited RSUs. This cellular connectivity allows emergency and transit vehicles to communicate with traffic management systems and infrastructure, even in challenging or rural locations. CV2X thus expands the reach of smart preemption and priority solutions, making traffic management more effective and reliable, regardless of the setting.
Collaborating with Experts to Drive Innovation
Western Systems collaborates with industry leaders such as Yunex Traffic, Brand Motion, Denso, and HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud, alongside academic experts from CATS (The University of Arizona), to drive innovation in traffic management. These partnerships bring together deep expertise and cutting-edge technology to create robust, scalable solutions like the RSU2X, OBU V2V, and HUD displays. By leveraging these collaborations, Western Systems delivers next-generation transportation technology that addresses the diverse needs of both urban and rural environments, ensuring safer, smarter, and more efficient travel for all.
Paving the Way for Smart, Sustainable Cities
Ultimately, this initiative is about creating smarter, safer cities that prioritize community needs. By improving traffic flow, reducing response times, and supporting sustainable public transit, Western Systems’ connected vehicle solutions contribute to a future where city transportation systems are not only efficient but also environmentally responsible. This project represents a leap forward in how cities approach traffic and public safety, ensuring smoother commutes and quicker emergency responses.
Ready to Bring Connected Vehicles to Your City?
Western Systems is proud to be at the forefront of connected vehicle technology, driving change alongside the University of Arizona and other industry leaders. To learn more about how Connected Vehicles and smart preemption can benefit your community, explore our Connected Vehicles and Preemption solutions on our website. For additional questions, contact Western Systems today, or reach out to our Connected Vehicles & Network Expert, Donald Wang, or Territory Manager, Joe Marioni—let’s work together to pave the way for smarter, safer roads.