Ever wonder as you are stopped at a red light with no cars in sight or are stuck in rush hour traffic made worse by a series of traffic signals that aren’t in sync if there wasn’t some way in this age of “smart” everything that we can’t monitor traffic patterns and adjust traffic light sequences to ease the flow of traffic? It turns out that a privately-held company named Rhythm Engineering is trying to do just that.
Rhythm Engineering’s flagship product is “InSync” which is a real-time adaptive traffic system that relies on live traffic monitoring as well as complex computer algorithms that allows traffic signals to respond to changes in traffic patterns as they occur. InSync is 100% compatible with existing traffic light technologies and takes about a week to install for a ten intersection roadway. Currently, InSync is in use in 21 states and more than 2 million vehicles use InSync corridors each day.
InSync works by using real-time data collected by sensors to create a “green tunnel” for drivers moving through the corridor. This allows a group of cars to move en masse through a series of traffic signals. Unlike traditional signal timing systems, which set a predetermined pace for the flow of traffic, this new technology allows signals to communicate with each other by notifying each other of approaching traffic so lights turn green before motorists arrive at the intersection thus taking into account real-time movement, rather than projected movement times used by traditional timing systems.
The benefits to installing InSync are numerous. According to Rhythm Technologies, independent studies show that the InSync system can reduce stops by 60-90 percent, reduce travel time up to 50 percent, reduce fuel consumption and emissions by 20-30 percent and reduce accidents by up to 30 percent. In addition, by making more efficient use of existing roads, can reduce the need for new road construction. The system costs approximately $25,000 per each intersection where InSync is installed. Competitors in the traffic management field include such multinational companies as Siemens.
What I find interesting about this company is that it is tackling the problem of traffic congestion and car emissions through innovative technology and at a relatively low cost. I look forward to this technology being brought to the Northern Virginia area to make my commute a little easier and faster.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to be informative and should not be construed as personalized investment personalized advice. You are responsible for your own investment decisions.
Source: Rhythm Engineering
