Improving Traffic: Simulation with Smart Traffic Lights; [Mejorando la Circulación de Vehículos: Simulación con Semáforos Inteligentes]

Abstract

This article describes the research carried out in the field as part of the search for solutions to traffic congestion in a Latin American city. The objective of the research is to identify whether smart traffic lights can make any difference in the average speed of vehicles. First, an area that experts and citizens consider a zone of vehicular congestion is identified. Then data is collected on the number of vehicles and the speed at which they circulate as well as the behavior of the current traffic lights. With the help of simulation software, the current situation is modeled as well as a new scenario using intelligent traffic lights that can vary their behavior to optimize speed. The results of the investigation indicate that the use of intelligent traffic lights does have a small positive effect on the average speed and therefore it is an alternative for improvement. © 2018 Association for Information Systems. All rights reserved.