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Ericsson proposes sweeping program to reduce traffic congestion in Miami

November 29, 2013

Swedish multinational Ericsson plans to use its data and communications experience to help curb traffic congestion in Miami, Florida. The telecom giant announced a proposal during its annual event, NEST 2013, held this year in Miami Beach.

ICT to address traffic woes

Through its “Intelligent Transport Initiative,” Ericsson plans to use its advanced network of information communication technology (ICT) to tackle traffic-related problems in major cities, including Miami.

Miami ranks 12th in the Networked Society City Index, which ranks cities according to “their ability to transform ICT into social, economic, and environmental benefits.”

Ericsson has taken up this initiative as part of NEST’s theme this year, “Reinventing Urban Life.” According to a press release by the company, the motive behind such a proposal is “to enable creation of safe, sustainable and efficient transport systems in the market.”

Hans Vestberg, president and CEO, Ericsson

Hans Vestberg, Ericsson’s president and CEO, at NEST 2013. Via Ericsson

Discussing the proposal, Hans Vestberg, Ericsson’s president and CEO, said that “…To solve systemic issues of traffic congestion, carbon emissions, trash collection, residential crowding, and more, collaboration is the only way we will bring workable solutions to cities.”

Over the next year, the company plans to conduct research in areas like innovation, safety, and quality of service to better understand how Miami can provide customers with an intelligent transport system. The company will then propose actions to stimulate progress, eliminate inefficiencies, and generate new business.

Miami-Dade County had already looked at ICT as a way of addressing traffic congestion. As Angel Petisco, chief information officer of the county, says, “We in Miami Dade County have a traffic problem. We cannot necessarily widen our roads or build more.”

Projects to reduce traffic congestion in Miami

In Miami Dade County, officials are offering incentives to take public transportation, also collaborating with local businesses that offer deals and coupons to their customers who get around on public transport.

The city’s 911 system is also programmed to predict demand for emergency calls 90 days in advance, helping the fire department arrive at a scene on time and pull up a schematic of the building they have to enter.

Petisco is of the opinion that information about parking availability can stop drivers from cruising for parking, which will reduce carbon emissions. Predictive smartphone apps are in development to disperse parking information.

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Category: Enforcement, Road safety, Traffic law, Trends

About the Author ()

A creative writer at heart, Lisa currently writes for SmartSign’s blogs and dabbles in content strategies for SEO. She spends the rest of the time lounging in the comforts of her home, surfing the internet for areas of interest, or traveling to unexplored destinations. Having previously studied and worked in the field of journalism and media, Lisa likes calling herself a web journalist. She takes special interest in grassroots and tribal issues, and topics concerning women empowerment. She swears that books are a person’s best travel companion, and that good food can liven up any dull day. Lisa lives in the beautiful city of Jaipur, India.

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