Hamburg, December 13 – In a significant move to modernize its public transport system and enhance urban mobility, Hamburg announced plans to implement intelligent traffic lights that will prioritize HVV buses and emergency vehicles. This ambitious project aims to equip over 2,000 vehicles and 600 traffic lights with advanced sensor technology by 2030, ensuring smoother traffic flow and reduced travel times for essential services.
A Century of Traffic Control, a Leap into the Future
The announcement comes a century after Hamburg installed its first traffic light on Mönckebergstraße. What was once a manually operated system will now evolve into an automated network where 600 traffic lights dynamically adjust their green phases. Anjes Tjarks (Greens), the Senator for Transport, highlighted the transformative potential of this initiative.
“We are now installing a new technology for bus acceleration, and this technology can prioritize emergency vehicles and buses,” stated Tjarks, emphasizing the dual benefits for public safety and efficiency. “This will significantly improve bus acceleration. We are laying the foundation for this today.”
Prioritizing Efficiency and Passenger Experience
The new system is designed to be highly intelligent. If two buses approach an intersection simultaneously, the traffic light will prioritize the bus with the most significant delay or the highest number of passengers. Olaf Koch from the State Agency for Roads, Bridges, and Waters demonstrated the technology during a test drive at Heiligengeistfeld.
“The bus transmits information to the traffic light system, including its speed and current position. The green phase is then extended accordingly,” Koch explained. This dynamic adjustment ensures that public transport remains on schedule, even during peak hours.
Furthermore, if an HVV bus is stuck in a long traffic jam before a smart traffic light, the extended green phase could also benefit other vehicles by helping to clear congestion more quickly. The project represents a substantial investment of 68 million euros, partially supported by federal funding, underscoring its national importance.
Hamburg: A Pioneer in Public Transport Innovation
Hamburg has a rich history of innovation in public transport, having established the world’s first transport association on November 29, 1965, with the goals of a single fare, one ticket, and one timetable. The current initiative aligns with the city’s ongoing commitment to digitalizing its transport infrastructure.
The Hamburg Senate has already adopted a comprehensive strategy for digitalizing traffic, anticipating that these projects will attract further federal funding. The integration of smart traffic lights is a cornerstone of this strategy, aiming to make traffic in Hamburg more efficient and sustainable.
Expected Impact and Future Outlook
The implementation of smart traffic lights is expected to significantly reduce travel times for HVV buses, making public transport a more attractive option for residents and visitors. For emergency services, the ability to navigate traffic more swiftly could be life-saving. The project also contributes to Hamburg’s broader environmental goals by promoting public transport and potentially reducing vehicle idling times.
While the full rollout is slated for 2030, the introduction of a test bus on Thursday marks a crucial step forward. This initiative positions Hamburg at the forefront of urban mobility solutions, leveraging technology to create a more responsive and efficient transport network for all its citizens.
The city’s commitment to innovation, as demonstrated by this project, reinforces its status as a leader in public transport development, building on a legacy that dates back to the very first traffic light and the pioneering establishment of the HVV.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/Artikelvorlage-HH,ampeln-100.html
