Jointly funded by TN govt and IIT-M at 82 lakh, the project includes GPS devices installed in all 246 buses operating on GST road and CCTV cameras at ten key locations. Controllers with vehicle counting devices will also be set up alongside the cameras.Traffic signals on Grand Southern Trunk (GST) road will soon adapt to prioritise Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses, reducing their waiting time and ensuring smoother travel. As part of a pilot project, signals along the Alandur-Airport corridor will shorten red lights and extend green lights for buses.
The 'Bus Signal Priority System', developed by IIT-M and CDAC Trivandrum, leverages real-time data to enhance bus schedule reliability, fuel efficiency, and reduce congestion and emissions, said MTC managing director Alby John. "Traditionally, traffic systems prioritised signals based on vehicle counts. This system will prioritise buses by considering passenger numbers," John added.
Jointly funded by TN govt and IIT-M at 82 lakh, the project includes GPS devices installed in all 246 buses operating on GST road and CCTV cameras at ten key locations. Controllers with vehicle counting devices will also be set up alongside the cameras.
Using real-time data from the buses and controllers, the adaptive signals will alter waiting times to prioritise buses. Three signals at Alandur Post Office, Trident Hotel, and Old Airport junction will implement these changes during the initial phase.
Scheduled for launch in Jan 2025, the project has raised concerns among road users who worry that smaller vehicles such as cars, autos, and bikes may tail buses to overtake them and block their movement at subsequent signals. In response, MTC officials clarified that the system aims to maximise benefits for public transport users while maintaining overall traffic flow efficiency.
