Hamburg getting nearly EUR 2 million for intelligent bus technology

26 June 2023

EU-backed ITS-Cube project prioritises buses in traffic

The City of Hamburg has received EUR 1.92 million in funds for the ITS-Cube project under which buses are to be prioritised at traffic lights, a press release said Thursday (June 22, 2023) Launched in early June until 2025, around 90 per cent of the costs are being funded by the EU's "Elena" scheme managed by the European Investment Bank. Around 2,000 buses and up to 600 traffic lights are to be equipped with Transit Signal Priority (TSP) technology by 2030. Only 19.6 per cent of traffic signal systems in Hamburg are equipped with bus prioritisation at the moment.

New holistic bus and traffic light system from 2025

"The mobility transition will succeed, if we strengthen the environmental alliance and make public transport more attractive for everyone. That includes the targeted prioritisation of buses at traffic lights in Hamburg," said Anjes Tjarks, Senator for Transport and Mobility Transition. "We must ensure that buses can travel through the city without lots of starting and braking. The project is an important step towards a holistic new system starting in 2025." ITS-Cube focuses on networking with the existing infrastructure. The new TSP system will be introduced gradually from 2025.

Diverse ITS projects for intelligent transport systems

The intelligent system informs bus drivers about closing doors, departures and green or red light signals so that they can accelerate optimally and keep to the timetable. Various ITS projects are currently underway, focusing on data and information, intelligent traffic control and guidance, intelligent infrastructure, intelligent parking, mobility as a service, and automated and networked mobility. A general "Traffic Light Forecast" project should enable all road users to use traffic light forecasting services in the long term. The ITS Cube project aims to reduce travel time and achieve a smooth flow of traffic in Hamburg and more passenger comfort .

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