Novax Industries in New Westminster received a juicy deal from TransLink. Transit will move into the future, integrating wireless technology to streamline transit traffic flow. The kicker here is that red lights become green lights in aid of keeping the buses on time. How will that affect the rest of traffic?
Traffic lights and patterns are studied and have been for years. Driving along most routes, if traveling according to posted speed-limits, quite often a commuter can expect to “ride the wave” of green lights along most major thoroughfares. With the wireless technology implemented to benefit buses, will this continue to work for the ease of all traffic-flow, something that will always continue to be a concern.
That aside, there are a number of other great benefits to this new technology. A personal favorite for anyone stranded at a stop, wondering when the next bus comes, is real-time displays of scheduling information, including when the next bus will arrive.
Other long-term benefits of this wireless technology, however, is the ability to open up the region-wide wireless network available for other uses. For example, municipalities may choose to adopt the use of the system to ensure faster response time for emergency vehicles.
All-in-all, it seems there are interesting possibilities. Let’s hope they don’t neglect all the other traffic problems on the way to implementing a transit-specific solution. Will it have a negative effect on the rest of traffic, and traffic flow.