Predicting Where The Traffic Will Flow

1 August 2007 - 1:00pm

IBM announced the development of a new traffic prediction tool that could help cities maximize their existing infrastructure investments.

"Using historical traffic data and real-time traffic input from the Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA)'s i-Transport system, IBM's Traffic Prediction Tool predicted traffic flows over pre-set durations (10, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes). Overall prediction results were well above the target accuracy of 85 percent. With these predictions, LTA's traffic controllers will be able to anticipate and better manage the flow of traffic to prevent the build-up of congestion.

At a global level, this innovative use of technology represents another option in the response to the complexity of mega-urban congestion, especially in the developing world.

While infrastructure growth is required in many cities, it cannot be the only solution to congestion given the significant budgetary, social and environmental costs. IBM believes innovation can and needs to be applied to the challenge of mega-urban congestion. For example, technologies such as the Traffic Prediction Tool enable more intelligent use of a city's existing infrastructure."

Source: CNN Money, August 1, 2007
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Evidence is observable in cities across the country, however, that urban regeneration only comes with the reclamation and restoration of old neighborhoods, not through demolition and landbanking.