Prague completes first phase of AI-enabled traffic control system Yutraffic FUSION
Yunex Traffic, in cooperation with the Technical Road Administration Prague (TSK), has completed the first phase of deployment of a new artificial intelligence-enabled control system. Prague has thus joined the ranks of the world’s metropolises implementing this new technology.
At the end of August 2024, the City of Prague, through TSK, took a significant step in the deployment of adaptive traffic management systems supported by artificial intelligence. This system was delivered to TSK as part of an innovation partnership project with Yunex Traffic. The City of Prague plans to test the delivered system at other intersections and to use it in selected areas in the future.
Introduction of the new AI-enabled system
The Yutraffic FUSION system, developed by Yunex Traffic, is designed to optimize the setting of traffic lights at intersections and ensure the smoothest possible passage of vehicles. It is an advanced adaptive system that uses intelligent optimization methods to quickly find the best solution and adjust signal plans based on the current traffic situation to reduce delays and stops, thereby reducing travel time for all road users in the city.
- Traffic optimization and smoother operation: Yutraffic FUSION minimizes vehicle stops and waiting times, prioritizing transport means such as trams, buses, and integrated emergency vehicles. The result is greater transport efficiency and reduced emissions in congested areas.
- Comprehensive overview and prediction of traffic load: Unlike traditional systems, Yutraffic FUSION integrates data from all intersections in a controlled area and uses short-term predictions to estimate future traffic loads. This ensures the smoothest possible passage for cars, public transport, cyclists and pedestrians.
- Time-saving and fast response: Yutraffic FUSION does not require complex pre-programmed scenarios, allowing operators to react flexibly to the situation at hand. Automatic system adaptation without lengthy programming results in time savings compared to traditional systems.
- Flexible priority setting: The system allows operators to set preferences for different modes of transport, for example, to prefer buses or trams according to the current traffic situation. This flexibility is particularly beneficial when managing traffic during peak hours.
- Automatic green wave: Based on current traffic demand, Yutraffic FUSION can create green waves for the busiest directions while ensuring that other directions are adequately served. In case of unexpected changes, the traffic light settings are adjusted automatically.
- Easy to use for operators: Yutraffic FUSION has been designed to minimize complexity and operator effort, making the job easier for operators and authorities.
Pilot installation in Prague
The pilot installation included the deployment of the system at intersections in Patočkova Street, where the functionality of the system and its cooperation with other telematics systems and detectors in Prague were verified in real operation. The testing successfully demonstrated the ability of the new system to cooperate with existing systems in Prague, to smoothly manage traffic and to react to different traffic situations.
The future of traffic management
The system’s ability to respond adaptively to changing traffic conditions and integrate different data sources makes it an ideal solution for modern cities facing the challenges of increasing traffic and the need for sustainability. The system has already been deployed in London, Hampshire and is now being rolled out to other international cities and conurbations.
“The Yutraffic FUSION system brings new opportunities to improve traffic flow, minimize congestion and contribute to reducing emissions in the metropolis. The Prague pilot project makes the capital one of the first in Europe to deploy advanced traffic management technology at this level.”
Martin Němec, Managing Director of Yunex Traffic Czech Republic
“A functioning metropolis needs a smart traffic management system to help keep it running smoothly. This investment is thus proof of our commitment to investing in modern and sustainable transport in Prague. In the future, the new system will bring more comfort to the citizens of Prague when travelling through the metropolis and reduce the burden on the environment.“
Zdeněk Hřib, Deputy Mayor for Transport Prage
“TSK has long focused on innovative solutions in city management that make life easier. And artificial intelligence is definitely the future of the transport sector. We can take an example from London, which is using AI to improve its sometimes very problematic traffic. Prague is certainly better off than London in this respect, but we are all still watching the ever-worsening traffic situation, especially with more and more cars, residents and commuters. Our aim is to use all available solutions to improve transport in our capital city.”
Filip Hájek, Director General of Technical Road Administration Prague (TSK)
