Our transportation systems are growing outdated, as traffic is slowed too often by inefficient traffic management. Traffic lights often operate on simple timers and lack the ability to adjust traffic patterns based on changing conditions. Because so much of society relies on automobile traffic to function, inefficient traffic management has substantial negative economic and social consequences.

What is known:

• Traffic Signaling & Coordination is poor

• Non-drivers are not prioritized for navigation through the city (Bikers & Pedestrians)

• People want to go to their destination as fast as possible with disregard for others

Tasks:

• Vehicle Intelligent Signaling (High)

• Non-drivers Intelligent Signaling (High)

• Traffic Light Installation (Low)

• Vehicle Sensing (Moderate)

• Driver vs Non-Driver Prioritization (Moderate)

• Traffic Monitoring, identifying critical traffic Locations (Low)

Cause of the problem:

This is not specific to Hoboken itself, but there is a growing traffic problem with the car-dependent lifestyle of many Americans.  The traffic lights have been fixed to older standards to the point of longer wait times for cars and pedestrians.

What? - Traffic movement is slower than what roadways are capable of.

When? - When traffic arrives at intersections, it often is slowed or stopped unnecessarily.

Who? - Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians are all directly affected by traffic efficiency, and all businesses and organizations that rely on transporting goods and people to function are indirectly affected.

Where? - Urban areas in general are most effected by poor traffic management, as they have more intersections. This project will specifically examine the city of Hoboken and surrounding area.

Why? - Traffic control systems are not dynamic enough to keep up with changing traffic patterns at different times.

How? - Intersections typically run on fixed timing patterns that keep drivers from moving efficiently. In times of both high and low traffic, drivers often find themselves stopped to facilitate other traffic, even if that other traffic does not exist.