Region announces expansion of real-time traffic data collection system

The region announced an expansion of a system that uses real-time traffic data to track trends.

The Miovision TrafficLink Advanced Transportation Management System (ATMS) uses cameras to monitor pedestrian, cyclist and motor vehicle volumes at intersections, volume trends over time, traffic congestion and vehicle travel times and speeds.

Waterloo region said the expansion will help with their long term greenhouse gas reduction goals and to improve cyclist, transit, pedestrian and road facilities until 2041.

“Optimizing our intersections to safely get people to their destination, whether by bike, wheelchair, scooter, transit, cars or on foot, is a key focus, and if that also means transit can better travel through the region, then it’s a great way to get more people using GRT and ION,” Colleen James, Regional Councillor, and Chair of the Planning and Works Committee, said in a press release. “Working with this local company and investing in our infrastructure is the right thing to do for our environment and our community, as we grow to one million people.”

The region first started the system back in 2018 as a pilot program by installing 270 cameras at signalized intersections, including ones used along the ION rail. It said some of the benefits include reducing delays for pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles.

“As a company rooted in Kitchener-Waterloo, we are dedicated to leveraging our technological expertise to create a safer, more efficient transportation network in our own backyard. This expansion showcases our innovative solutions and our commitment to the well-being and mobility of our community,” Kurtis McBride, CEO of Miovision, said in a press release.

The remaining 250 cameras are set to be installed between July 2 and December 31.