Global Traffic Technologies: Transforming Urban Transit

Global Traffic Technologies (GTT) has set the standard in urban transit technology. Over 50 years, its Opticom and Canoga systems have transformed how cities manage transit flow, minimize congestion, and improve safety.

I recently came across urban transit technologies and their uses. It amazes me how far we have come in terms of technology. As a tech geek from the last 8 years, I always keep my research up to date and provide you with the best insights.

GTT’s innovative solutions are finally ready for integration with Miovision’s advanced AI driven platform, as they are now, with their $107 million acquisition by Miovision. Together these technologies offer faster, safer, and greener transit options for urban communities and a path for more efficient cities.

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Opticom: Priority Control for Emergency and Transit Vehicles

Global Traffic Technologies traffic solutions are at the core of the Opticom system. It is installed at 180,000 intersections across the U.S. Emergency vehicle preemption (EVP) and transit signal priority (TSP) are its principal features: green light priority for emergency and transit vehicles.

At intersections, Opticom can decrease emergency response times by up to 25 percent and reduce crash rates by as much as 70 percent. Opticom: for cities means fewer delays for emergency and transit, and a critical feature for urban transportation that prioritizes safe, fast transit.

Main AttributeQuick Overview
Company NameGlobal Traffic Technologies (GTT)
Primary ProductsOpticom Priority Control, Canoga Sensing
Years in Operation50+
Number of Installations (Opticom)180,000+ intersections
Primary Solution AreasUrban Transit, Emergency Response, Safety
Key Technology FeaturesEmergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP), Transit Signal Priority (TSP)
Impact of EVP on Crash RatesUp to 70% reduction
Impact of EVP on Response TimesUp to 25% faster
TSP Signal Delay ReductionUp to 43% improvement
TSP Red-Light Stop ReductionUp to 22%
Increase in Transit RidershipUp to 10%
Fuel & Emissions ReductionSignificant reductions with TSP
Miovision Acquisition Value$107 million
Miovision’s Reach Post-Acquisition100,000+ intersections
Primary MarketsNorth America, Urban Transit Systems
HeadquartersSt. Paul, Minnesota, USA

Miovision’s Acquisition: A New Era for Urban Transit Solutions

In April 2023, Miovision merged with Global Traffic Technologies to bring together their smart city technology, alongside GTT’s established systems. Miovision, the company behind AI driven traffic solutions, now controls the 100,000 intersections across North America.

Traffic signal priority systems

But, with this acquisition cities are able to benefit from traffic management with more advanced and integrated components. Miovision CEO Kurtis McBride says Miovision’s features are in line with what Miovision wants to do, which is to streamline urban mobility and public safety. For the cities, this means an expanded set of tools geared to the unique needs of urban transit.

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Opticom’s Transit Signal Priority (TSP): Improving Transit Reliability

TSP from Opticom improves bus and public transit on time performance by reducing red light delays. TSP makes sure that a transit vehicle that is running behind schedule receives green lights on critical intersections. This solution significantly decreases fuel costs, improves schedule reliability, and increases rider satisfaction.

Public transit is now faster and more dependable thanks to a pilot TSP program in Albany, NY, which reduced signal delays by 43%, and red light stops by 22%. TSP is critical for urban transit agencies to manage satisfied riders and help meet city sustainability objectives of reduced emissions.


Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP): Ensuring Rapid, Safe Response

Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP) is Opticom’s quick green-light access for emergency vehicles. EVP reduced intersection crashes by 70 percent and reduced emergency response times by 25 percent in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Important to cities serious about public safety, Global Traffic Technologies is essential by reducing risk at intersections, thereby reducing response times to incidents and allowing first responders to reach the situation more quickly and safely. EVP invests in (urban) safety by reducing accidents and locating emergency personnel in ways less obstructed by dense traffic.

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Canoga Traffic-Sensing Solutions: Real-Time Data for Better Transit Planning

The Canoga system collects real time data about traffic flow; it enables cities and transit authorities to understand how it really will work and adjust accordingly. These vehicle sensors detect vehicle counts, traffic speeds, congestion points.

Emergency vehicle preemption

This data is important information for ongoing, long term urban transit planning that helps determine problem areas and adjusts traffic signals according to conditions. Their aim is to be able to empower cities to make data backed decisions in order to improve transit flow, and support the development of smart cities.


Why Miovision and GTT Are the Ideal Partnership for Smart Urban Transit

This acquisition of Global Traffic Technologies means that Miovision can apply the power of AI to GTT’s full suite of traffic solutions to offer urban transit tools to what they describe as a complete range of urban transit tools. 

Using Opticom and Canoga systems coupled with Miovision’s advanced data analytics, Miovision predicts, detects and adjusts to traffic patterns.

Together, they present a seamless transit experience and allow cities to address the most important challenges imposed by transit, congestion, emission and delays. 

This partnership sees Miovision and GTT in a position to deliver tailored solutions. It is both for the public and private transport carriage. Also, it helps public transit agencies and private transit providers be adaptable, reliable and future-ready.


Key Benefits of Opticom for Urban Transit Systems

For cities, Opticom brings major advantages, including:

  • Enhanced Safety: Safer roads, more intersection crashes.
  • Improved Efficiency: Faster transit and faster emergency response times.
  • Fuel Savings: Reduction of idling at red lights saves fuel.
  • Transit Reliability: Measures of on time performance for buses and public transit.

The diverse range of applications in which Opticom’s technology supports the smooth, efficient operation of transit in dense urban environments allows cities to meet the increasing demands of transit.


Opticom’s Impact on Reducing Emissions and Fuel Costs

Reduction of emissions in cities depends on Opticom’s TSP feature. Opticom reduces carbon emissions by eliminating bus and transit vehicle stops.

Opticom allows for those cities aiming to meet green goals to keep transit moving while reducing unnecessary stops. This is a solution that supports sustainability initiatives and allows urban spaces to shrink their environmental footprint as they continue to operate efficient transit.

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TSP’s Role in Boosting Transit Ridership and Reliability

Opticom’s TSP system makes transit agencies’ buses more reliable, says Transit agencies. It helps buses get around red lights so they arrive at stops on time. Ridership in Albany, NY increased 10 percent as a result of TSP when people could rely on buses to come on time.

Intelligent transportation systems (ITS)

Rising ridership leads to more traffic congestion being reduced emissions in support of sustainable transportation. TSP is a reliable, eco-friendly way for city planners to attract more passengers to public transit.


Canoga Traffic-Sensing Solutions: Supporting Urban Development

The Canoga traffic sensing system allows cities to monitor vehicle patterns and learn how to optimize transit strategies. Traffic data from Canoga shows when roads are bottlenecks and where and when they should be smoothed.

Such data is critical to cities wanting to sharpen traffic signals or build better transit corridors. Canoga’s data can help businesses in high traffic areas, improving customer access, which is good for the local economy, and the public transit system.


The Future of Safe, Efficient Urban Transit

Thanks to Miovision guiding the global road traffic function now used by urban transit systems the roads are managed better. This was the result of Miovision’s AI technology with Opticom and Canoga’s proven reliability making a powerful urban mobility solution.

Transit of the future will be smarter, more eco-friendly, data-informed decisions that will also make transit safer. This means that city leaders and transit planners have access to cutting edge transit solutions that are developed to meet growing urban needs via the Miovision-GTT partnership.

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Why Cities Choose Opticom for Urban Transit

Many cities select Opticom because it is:

  • Proven and Reliable: Reduces crash rates and improves safety.
  • Efficient and Cost-Effective: Saves fuel and reduces emissions.
  • Transit-Focused: Boosts on-time schedules for public transit.
  • Eco-Friendly: Fewer stops mean lower carbon output.

These benefits allow cities to meet modern demands for safe and reliable urban transit. Opticom is an investment in better, smarter transit solutions that help cities grow sustainably.


The Role of Canoga in Smart City Development

Canoga’s traffic-sensing capabilities make it a key player in smart city initiatives. It provides the data needed to plan urban infrastructure intelligently. By tracking congestion and traffic flow, Canoga helps cities prioritize their transit projects effectively. This technology empowers urban areas to manage transit patterns and allocate resources where they’re most needed, ensuring that city transit systems are future-ready.


Opticom’s Impact on Urban Transit Safety and Emergency Response

Opticom’s Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP) system is tailored for urban transit safety, providing immediate green light priority to emergency responders.

In dense urban areas where traffic congestion can delay emergency services, EVP helps fire trucks, ambulances, and police vehicles get through intersections safely and efficiently.

For example, in San Rafael, CA, EVP significantly lowered intersection collision rates and reduced response times by up to 25%. This capability is essential for transit systems supporting urban safety, where fast response can mean saved lives. For transit agencies, integrating EVP into urban transit helps create safer, more responsive city transportation.


Sustainable Urban Transit Solutions with Opticom’s TSP System

As cities push for sustainable transit, Opticom’s Transit Signal Priority (TSP) system provides a reliable method for cutting emissions and improving urban mobility. By minimizing red-light stops for buses, TSP reduces fuel consumption and lowers carbon emissions across urban transit networks.

For instance, in Chicago, IL, implementing TSP improved fuel efficiency and contributed to the city’s environmental goals.

This eco-friendly transit solution supports urban transit networks in providing efficient, low-emission travel options. By reducing delays and unnecessary stops, Opticom’s TSP aligns with the goals of green urban transit systems, creating smoother and cleaner citywide transit.

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Data-Driven Urban Transit Planning with Canoga Traffic-Sensing

The Canoga traffic-sensing system provides real-time data critical for effective urban transit planning. By collecting information on traffic density, peak hours, and route bottlenecks, Canoga enables city planners to make smart, data-backed decisions.

Transit signal priority (TSP)

In cities experiencing high growth, like Seattle, WA, Canoga’s insights have been key to managing transit corridors, adding lanes, and adjusting signal timing.

This data-centric approach helps cities create adaptive transit networks that can grow with population and travel demands. Canoga supports urban transit agencies in designing transit routes and timing adjustments that ensure efficient, reliable urban transit flow.


Wrapping Up

Global Traffic Technologies has been an essential part of urban transit for decades. With solutions like Opticom and Canoga, GTT has shaped traffic management in cities across the U.S. Miovision’s acquisition brings new potential, combining GTT’s reliable systems with advanced AI tools for a safer, faster, and more efficient transit network. 

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For cities, this means more accessible, eco-friendly transit that can meet the demands of a growing urban population. GTT and Miovision’s integrated solutions support the future of urban transit, making cities smarter and transit more sustainable.


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