NTT Data has finished an expanded field study of using big data traffic simulation technology to control traffic signals for the effective alleviation of traffic congestion in Guiyang, part of Guizhou Province in China.
The study was implemented by NTT Data together with the Institute of Software, Chinese Academy of Sciences (ISCAS) and the city of Guiyang between September 19 and 30.
Optimized settings for traffic signals, which had been learned from analysis of data collected in past surveys, were tested in real life using 220 signals at 19 intersections. During the test, cars passing through the intersections were identified by their license plates.
The study covered almost the entire Guanshanhu district of northwest Guiyang, an area suffering from severe traffic congestion. It was conducted 24 hours a day, including weekdays and weekends.
Findings show that the time lost due to traffic congestion was cut 7% on average and up to a maximum of 26%. The number of vehicles passing through the intersections in a given time increased by 6.7% on average and up to a maximum of 25%.
A trial conducted in March in a smaller area of Guiyang involved just 12 intersections, mostly on the same street, which were monitored only during rush hours on weekday mornings and evenings.
“This latest field test proves that NTT Data’s solution and supporting big data technology can be used to effectively alleviate real-life traffic congestion,” said Hiroyuki Kazama, head of the Evolutional IT center at NTT Data.
NTT Data aims to increase its global revenue from smart-city business to 10 billion yen (roughly $100 million) by fiscal 2020.