New App Alerts Drivers Before Traffic Lights Turn Green

A suburban city in the East Bay Area will allow commuters to use a new app that links their smartphones to traffic lights.

1 minute read

April 24, 2015, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"Drivers on the city's crowded commute routes can join in the race to the digital future with a new app that will link their smartphones to traffic lights, giving them an alert when the green light is about to shine," reports Andrew McGall. "The free [EnLighten] app announced Thursday morning will work with all 100 of the city's traffic lights, which are linked to a city traffic control center."

McCall describes how the app works in more detail: "A few seconds before a red traffic light changes, EnLighten will chime to refocus drivers on driving, perhaps drawing them back from sipping coffee, doing their makeup or surreptitiously checking their cell phones. The EnLighten app is available for Android and iPhone users."

McCall goes on to describe the public-private partnership that enabled the program as well as a little information on the testing of the app. It will be interesting to see if real world tests prove the technology a safety improvement or just another way for cars to move quickly around the city's expansive residential and commercial arterials.

Thursday, April 23, 2015 in San Jose Mercury News

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A painted bus lane in NYC.

NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades

The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.

September 21 - NYC Streetsblog

A woman looks at a utility bill.

'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide

Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.

September 21 - Smart Cities Dive

A person scuba diving in a coral reef off Guam.

Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies

International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.

September 21 - Grist