Tired of traffic jams? See what IBM is doing to ease traffic snarls in Stockholm
Traffic jams
At last! There just may be some answers to our complaints about traffic just down the road.
IBM is working with several European cities on projects to reduce traffic congestion with a system that rewards "green" car use but taxes "non-green" car use in high-congestion areas.
In the largest project of its kind in Europe, IBM worked with the Swedish Road Administration to install 18 barrier-free control points around the inner city, equipped with cameras and a beacon system to identify vehicles and provide evidence to support the enforcement of non-payers. Payment is kept simple by offering choices between automatic account debit, payment at banks, over the Internet, and at retail shops.
Does it work?
Congestion pricing in Stockholm has reduced traffic in the Swedish capital by 18 percent, according to traffic authorities there. The fee-based approach, which began formally in August 2007, has also seen the proportion of green, tax-exempt vehicles rise to 9 percent. The study also found that access to the city has improved significantly with a reduction in travel times on inner city streets and approach roads.
"Traffic has remained substantially lower since the pilot with IBM, which has brought significant benefits to Stockholm residents. The scheme is meeting the objectives set by the city of reducing traffic volumes, improving accessibility for buses and cars, and improving the environment," said Birger Hook, Director of the Swedish Road Administration's traffic registry.
IBM was responsible for solution design, development and operation and worked closely with the Swedish Road Administration and the city of Stockholm to develop the congestion charging system. The project involved collaboration among IBM consulting, research and technology specialists.
In addition to working with Stockholm, IBM is helping the cities of London, Singapore and Brisbane address their traffic management and congestion challenges.
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