The Polish city of Wroclaw’s new ‘intelligent’ transport system, which means different modes are better coordinated, enables transport planners to keep traffic flowing and empowers commuters with real-time information.
Intelligent transport tools give Wroclaw a new lease of life
- 09 September 2016
A key goal of this project was to optimise urban mobility. Thanks to the introduction of ITS, the time needed to drive through the city has already been shortened by about 18 %, while the average tram ride has been cut by two minutes compared to 2013.
The end result is that the transport network has been adapted to the contemporary needs of citizens: efficiency, sustainability and reliability.
As with many Europeans cities, Wroclaw has seen a rapid increase in the number of cars on the road and greater strain put on the public transport infrastructure. The Intelligent Transport System (ITS) project, which received EUR 17 569 009 through the European Regional Development Fund, has brought together tools such as cameras, sensors and communication systems in order to manage and improve mobility in Wroclaw.
These tools are centrally managed at a modern traffic control centre, which is capable of responding dynamically to changing conditions on the roads and tramways. In addition, new information points installed at major interchanges provide passengers with real-time information about bus and tram arrivals.
The end result has been an increase in efficiency of the city’s transport system, reduced congestion and increased road safety. Control systems were installed at 160 intersections, as well as at all major thoroughfares and throughout the entire city centre. More than 2 000 detection devices were installed on the ground and all data transmitted and stored at the control centre, which now employs more than 70 people. On trams, communication has been vastly improved.
Good times for all
A good example of how this new technology has been successfully applied is during mass events. Traffic lights can be adjusted to optimise fluidity on the roads, with information and data shared with transport authorities, the police and event organisers to ensure smooth operations.
The traffic control centre is located within the city’s crisis management centre, and is therefore able to work directly not only with the police but also other law enforcement agencies, the fire brigade and ambulance services.
Social and environmental benefits
There have been other positive knock-on effects as well. Strengthened surveillance has led to a reduction in the number of people jumping red lights and speeding through intersections. As a result, there has been a decrease in the number of accidents involving pedestrians.
In addition, traffic flow data can be passed on to the Regional Inspectorate for Environmental Protection, which has built an algorithm or small program to calculate the state of air pollution. With data capable of being added every five minutes, air pollution readings are incredibly accurate.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Intelligent Transport System” is EUR 22 201 865, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 17 569 009 through the “Infrastructure and Environment” Operational Programme for the 2007-2013 programming period.