Google’s AI could potentially improve Boston’s notorious traffic issues

Residing in Maine often requires navigating through the challenging Boston traffic for urban activities. Boston stands out as one of the most challenging cities in the country to drive in due to its age and high population density, surpassing even Los Angeles in certain aspects. To alleviate this issue, the city has embarked on a new initiative in collaboration with Google’s Project Green Light. This innovative approach leverages artificial intelligence to modify traffic light patterns, aiming to alleviate congestion.

According to Boston’s chief of streets, Jascha Franklin-Hodge, the system empowers traffic engineers with crucial data to adjust signal timings by mere seconds, which can significantly reduce congestion along a corridor. Moreover, this technology is expected to enhance flow, reduce stop-and-go traffic, and minimize emissions, contributing to overall environmental improvements.

Initial testing of the partnership has yielded positive results. At key intersections like Huntington Avenue and Opera Place, as well as Armory Street and Green Street, stop-and-go traffic has witnessed a notable reduction of over 50%. Cities globally that have implemented Project Green Light have seen an average 10% decrease in emissions.

Boston consistently ranks poorly for traffic congestion within the U.S. In 2023, drivers spent an average of 42 hours stuck in traffic, highlighting the urgent need for enhancements in commute times. Google’s product manager, Matheus Vervloet, emphasized how AI-driven initiatives like Project Green Light aim to enhance urban living standards by curbing traffic and emissions. The positive outcomes observed in Boston have spurred optimism for further collaborations with the city to expand this technology to more intersections.

Project Green Light is a nascent venture, with Seattle being the only other U.S. city involved in the testing program alongside Boston. Currently active in over 70 intersections globally, impacting 30 million car journeys monthly, Google plans to extend its reach to “hundreds of cities and tens of thousands of intersections” in the upcoming years. This concerted effort underscores the commitment towards sustainable urban mobility and environmental conservation on a global scale.