Google's Green Light project for smart traffic flow regulation
Revolution in Traffic Lights or Unwarranted Hope?
In 2021, Google introduced the Green Light project, which promised to simplify the process of controlling traffic lights using artificial intelligence. This project used an algorithmic model to optimize traffic lights, but its effectiveness is questionable.
Green Light, is based on an adaptive model that works with Google Maps data to determine the optimal timing of traffic lights. The system is intended to replace traditional traffic light control methods, which include manual adjustments and underground traffic sensors.
Green Light pilot projects have been implemented in cities such as Boston, Seattle and Manchester. However, the results have been mixed. In Boston, the project has been met with optimism, but in other cities its effectiveness has been questionable.
Officials in Manchester said the system's recommendations often proved inappropriate, and engineers had to manually adjust traffic light settings. For example, they had to prioritize bus routes or direct passengers through residential neighborhoods, which the algorithms didn't take into account.
Even in Seattle, where the Green Light project was generally well-received, the Department of Transportation acknowledged its shortcomings. The Department's speaker, noted that while the city saw positive results, they had to cancel some of Google's recommended traffic changes because they had no net benefit.
While Google's high-tech solutions are a step in the right direction, human decision-making will always be crucial. There are a lot of uncertainties in road traffic. This is not rocket science, but a more complex task
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