USA: Boston uses Google AI to manage traffic lights

Tests show that the stop-and-go traffic at these intersections has dropped by 50%.

According to media reports, the city of Boston has teamed up with Google's 'Project Green Light' to reduce traffic congestion. To do this, traffic lights in the city now make use of Google AI (Artificial Intelligence) to understand traffic patterns and recommend ways to optimise vehicular movement and reduce congestion.

As per studies, Boston is said to have among the worst traffic in the world. Project Green Light is testing the AI implementations at intersections in Fenway-Kenmore, Mission Mill and Jamaica Plain. Tests show that the stop-and-go traffic at these intersections has dropped by 50%.

Google states that the project "uses AI and Google Maps driving trends, with one of the strongest understandings of global road networks, to model traffic patterns and build intelligent recommendations for city traffic engineers to optimize traffic flow."

Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston, stated, "We need to find better ways to move people on our streets, we've been trying to improve streets, make buses more reliable, create more opportunities for safety so that we're not asking people to take their lives into their own hands."

Stacy Thompson, who lives close to the intersection in Jamaica Plain, is said to be optimistic about the program. Talking about the AI tech she said, "You want to make sure that the technology is thinking about everyone at the intersection whether they're walking, biking, using transit or taking a car. My understanding is that the city is considering all these users because that same impact happens regardless of your mode."

Apart from Boston, Seattle is the only other US city in the pilot program.

Source: CBSNews