The Wroclaw Intelligent Transport System consists of a wide range of innovative solutions to manage and improve the quality and efficiency of the transport system in Wroclaw. In order to reach its objective of more fluid transport and improved road safety, the system uses technology and telecommunications tools such as cameras, sensors at intersections, boards on bus stops and complex communication systems with dedicated software.
The Intelligent Transportation Systems concept incorporates a collection of different technologies and management techniques which are used in public transport to improve its efficiency. In addition, these systems help to protect natural environment and improve the safety of road users. The system was created in response to the growing environmental awareness, protesting against the negative effects of the automotive industry and also in response to the lack of expected effects of other solutions.
In the case at hand, the different technologies and management techniques used by Wroclaw’s Intelligent Transport System are supervised from a modern control center, which is located in the building of the Crisis Management Center. The system has a number of functions, including supervision of public transport, video surveillance and event management, data repository, a web portal with information about the traffic, a motion control system, etc.
The Wroclaw Intelligent Transport System permits simultaneous control at different levels: prioritization of public transport, improvement of vehicular traffic and availability of pedestrian crossings. It also enhances the dynamics of crisis management in city traffic or planned changes with regard to the organisation of mass events or holidays.
In 2015, thanks to the Wroclaw Intelligent Transport System, the average tram ride was shortened by 2 minutes compared to the year 2013. In the same year, through increased controls and monitoring, the system has also significantly reduced traffic offences and accidents involving pedestrians.
This article is part of a series about the finalists of the RegioStars Awards 2016 edition; if you would like to read about the other finalist projects you can follow these links: FOODMET, The urban distribution center- Charleroi, Gdansk’s Lower Town district, Alley of Change.
Source: RegioStars Awards, ITS Wroclaw, WIINOM
Photo: Bartosz Senderek
