An innovative new traffic management tool that aims to improve reliability for buses in real time through the power of AI is being trialled in Preston.
Aimsun Live is a cutting-edge traffic management tool that utilises historical data and live inputs to monitor and predict the highway network's performance in both real-time and planning modes.
Aimsun Live, which is being delivered by the software company, Aimsun, is currently being trialled on the A6 London Road in Preston.
Within just 3–6 minutes, Aimsun Live delivers forecasts for network conditions for the next hour. This speed and accuracy enables pre-emptive traffic management – a system that allows operators to override normal traffic signal operations – to proactively try and prevent emerging problems and mitigate congestion before it occurs.
Aimsun Live can also automate traffic management response plans, reducing the need for human intervention and lowering the costs associated with running and staffing traffic management centres.
This Aimsun Live pilot is part of an overarching initiative called Lancashire's Future Mobility Platform, which focuses on using AI and digital technology to enhance the highways network.
Councillor Scott Smith, lead member for Highways and Active Travel at Lancashire County Council, said: "AI is still a fairly new concept and as a forward-thinking council, we're exploring how it can help us improve our services in a multitude of innovative ways.
"Utilising AI in this way on the bus network provides an effective alternative to physical bus priority measures and can be operational at scale much more quickly.
“Not only are we making better use of the transport network, but we are also reducing congestion and minimising the impacts of disruptions and incidents.
"By helping buses through pinch points, delays will be reduced, making the service run more effectively and improving the overall customer experience.
"Ultimately, this is still a pilot, so we will closely monitor and evaluate its impact over the next 12 months, in conjunction with the other improvements we are making to the bus network."
James Daniels, Managing Director of Aimsun UK, said: "Lancashire County Council is pioneering new traffic management technologies, inspiring other councils to follow suit.
"We expect to see many more deployments like this in the future."
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