Traffic Control and Management
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Intelligent Transportation Systems course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS) #
An intelligent transportation system that uses real-time traffic data to adjust traffic signal timings to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion. Related terms: traffic signal coordination, real-time traffic data.
Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) #
An intelligent transportation system that provides travelers with real-time information on road conditions, traffic incidents, and alternative routes to help them make informed decisions about their travel plans. Related terms: real-time traffic data, 511 systems, intelligent transportation systems.
Arterial Roads #
A type of road that is designed to move large volumes of traffic efficiently, such as highways and major streets. Related terms: freeways, local roads.
Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI) #
A technology that uses sensors or transponders to automatically identify and track vehicles as they pass through a specific location, such as a toll booth or a traffic monitoring station. Related terms: vehicle detection, transportation management center.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) #
A high-quality bus-based transit system that provides fast, comfortable, and reliable service by using dedicated lanes, traffic signal priority, and other features to improve efficiency and reduce delays. Related terms: transit signal priority, dedicated lanes.
Cellular Vehicle #
to-Everything (C-V2X): A technology that enables vehicles to communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure, and devices using cellular networks. Related terms: vehicle-to-everything (V2X), dedicated short-range communications (DSRC), 5G.
Congestion Pricing #
A demand management strategy that charges drivers a fee for traveling in congested areas during peak travel times, with the goal of reducing traffic congestion and improving transportation efficiency. Related terms: demand management, peak travel times.
Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) #
A class of vehicles that use advanced technologies to communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure, and devices, and to operate autonomously without human input. Related terms: vehicle-to-everything (V2X), autonomous vehicles, intelligent transportation systems.
Curb Management #
The process of managing the use of curbside space, including parking, loading zones, and pick-up/drop-off areas, to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance safety. Related terms: curbside management, kerb-side management.
Demand Management #
A set of strategies designed to reduce travel demand and improve transportation efficiency by encouraging alternative modes of transportation, such as carpooling, biking, or public transit, and by discouraging single-occupancy vehicle trips during peak travel times. Related terms: congestion pricing, peak travel times.
Dedicated Short #
Range Communications (DSRC): A wireless communication technology that enables vehicles to communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure, and devices over short distances, using a dedicated frequency band. Related terms: vehicle-to-everything (V2X), cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X), 5G.
Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) #
Electronic signs that display real-time traffic information, such as travel times, road closures, or traffic incidents, to help drivers make informed decisions about their travel plans. Related terms: intelligent transportation systems, real-time traffic data.
Freeways #
A type of arterial road that is designed for high-speed traffic and has no intersections or cross streets, only interchanges and ramps. Related terms: arterial roads, local roads.
Global Positioning System (GPS) #
A satellite-based navigation system that enables users to determine their precise location and navigate to their desired destination. Related terms: satellite-based navigation, location-based services.
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) #
A set of advanced technologies and systems that are designed to improve transportation safety, mobility, and efficiency by providing real-time traffic information, automating traffic management functions, and enabling vehicles to communicate with each other and with infrastructure. Related terms: advanced transportation management systems, traffic control systems.
Kerb #
side Management: See Curb Management.
Local Roads #
A type of road that is designed to provide access to homes, businesses, and other destinations, and that typically has lower traffic volumes and speeds than arterial roads or freeways. Related terms: arterial roads, freeways.
Peak Travel Times #
The times of day when traffic congestion is at its worst, typically during the morning and evening rush hours. Related terms: demand management, congestion pricing.
Real #
Time Traffic Data: Data on current traffic conditions, including traffic speed, volume, and incidents, that is collected and transmitted in real time to transportation management centers, traffic control systems, and other users. Related terms: advanced transportation management systems, intelligent transportation systems.
Ride #
hailing: A transportation service that uses mobile apps or other technologies to connect passengers with drivers who provide transportation on a per-ride basis, typically in private vehicles. Related terms: transportation network companies, mobility-as-a-service.
Smart Cities #
Cities that use advanced technologies and data analytics to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and livability of urban areas, including transportation systems, energy systems, water systems, and other infrastructure. Related terms: intelligent transportation systems, smart mobility.
Smart Mobility #
The use of advanced technologies and data analytics to improve the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of transportation systems, including the integration of various modes of transportation, such as cars, buses, bikes, and pedestrians. Related terms: intelligent transportation systems, smart cities.
Satellite #
based Navigation: A navigation system that uses signals from satellites to determine a user's precise location and help them navigate to their desired destination. Related terms: Global Positioning System (GPS), location-based services.
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) #
A set of strategies designed to reduce travel demand and improve transportation efficiency by encouraging alternative modes of transportation, such as carpooling, biking, or public transit, and by discouraging single-occupancy vehicle trips during peak travel times. Related terms: demand management, congestion pricing.
Transportation Management Center (TMC) #
A facility that monitors and manages traffic flow and transportation systems using real-time traffic data, advanced transportation management systems, and other technologies. Related terms: advanced transportation management systems, real-time traffic data.
Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) #
Companies that use mobile apps or other technologies to connect passengers with drivers who provide transportation on a per-ride basis, typically in private vehicles. Related terms: ride-hailing, mobility-as-a-service.
Transit Signal Priority (TSP) #
A technology that enables transit vehicles to request priority at traffic signals, allowing them to move through intersections more quickly and reliably, and reducing delays and congestion. Related terms: Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), intelligent transportation systems.
Urban Traffic Management and Control (UTMC) #
A system that integrates various traffic management and control functions, such as traffic signal control, traffic monitoring, and incident management, to improve traffic flow and safety in urban areas. Related terms: advanced transportation management systems, intelligent transportation systems.
Vehicle Actuation #
A traffic signal control strategy that adjusts signal timings based on the presence and movement of vehicles, using sensors or other detection technologies. Related terms: adaptive traffic control system (ATCS), traffic signal coordination.
Vehicle Detection #
The use of sensors or other technologies to detect the presence and movement of vehicles, typically for the purpose of traffic signal control, traffic monitoring, or other transportation management functions. Related terms: automatic vehicle identification (AVI), transportation management center (TMC).
Vehicle #
to-Everything (V2X): A technology that enables vehicles to communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure, and devices, including traffic signals, other vehicles, and mobile devices, using wireless communication technologies. Related terms: dedicated short-range communications (DSRC), cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X), 5G.
Vision Zero #
A traffic safety initiative that aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries, through a combination of infrastructure improvements, traffic management strategies, and public awareness campaigns. Related terms: traffic safety, road safety.
5G #
The fifth generation of wireless