Boston, MA is using Google’s Project Green Light technology to optimize traffic signal timing and improve traffic flow in highly congested areas within the city. In 2023, Boston was ranked eighth in the world for highest traffic delays.
“One of the most frustrating parts of living in a major city is traffic, so Boston is taking every step to combat congestion and get people to where they need to go,” said Boston mayor, Michelle Wu.
Google Green Light uses AI and Google Maps driving trends to model traffic patterns and make recommendations for optimizing the existing traffic signal plans. It then identifies adjustments to traffic light timing to improve the efficiency of an intersection, such as improving the synchronization between lights at nearby intersections or shifting “green time” between lights to better match demand.
“We often find that small traffic hotspots from mistimed signals or kerbside issues can swell into larger congestion, so targeting these micro spots goes a long way. This innovative work with the latest technology from Google’s Project Green Light will help relieve the frustrating congestion that so many of our residents face, while helping to reduce emissions and inefficiencies on our city streets,” Wu said.
Over the past five months, Project Green Light analyzed traffic at hundreds of intersections with traffic signals using AI and Google Maps. The Boston Transportation Department’s (BTD) traffic engineers assessed each recommendation for safety, feasibility, and effectiveness to determine if the recommendation could be implemented. Once implemented, Project Green Light goes on to measure the impact on traffic patterns and provides this analysis to BTD to continue monitoring for any future changes required. So far, the city has chosen four intersections to install the technology.
“We are just starting to realize the potential of machine learning and AI in some of the City’s core operations,” said Michael Lawrence Evans, director of emerging technology for the City of Boston. “Our partnership with Google’s Project Green Light team demonstrates how this technology can have an immediate impact on a common experience like traffic congestion, while paving the way for continuous improvements across our traffic signal network.”
