Global Traffic Technologies (GTT) has contracted with the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to deploy its Opticom traffic signal priority system at intersections along the busy Erie Avenue.
The Opticom system allows public transportation agencies to extend or truncate green cycle times at traffic signals for more accurate schedule adherence, allowing riders to get to their destinations faster and more reliably. In turn, transit vehicles are on the road less, which can significantly reduce fuel and other fleet operations costs. When an emergency vehicle needs to navigate an intersection, the Opticom system onboard the emergency vehicle sends a request to the intersection’s controller ahead of its arrival. If the request is granted, the light turns green and the vehicle gets a clear path through the intersection.
In Philadelphia, the Opticom solution has been installed at 13 busy intersections along Erie Avenue. The system will be used by public transport buses and fire department vehicles to navigate through congested traffic.
With a population in excess of 1.5 million, Philadelphia is the most populous city in Pennsylvania, and is home to more outdoor sculptures and murals than any other American city. The birthplace of the United States Marine Corps, Philadelphia also boasts America’s first library, zoo, stock exchange, hospital, medical school, and business school.
GTT’s president Jason Lund said, “We are very excited to bring the benefits of Opticom to Philadelphia, providing both public transit and fire department vehicles with efficient, safe and speedy progress through busy intersections.”