Siemens real-time traffic control system SCOOT (Split Cycle Offset Optimisation Technique), which has been developed by the Siemens Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS) business, a part of the Siemens Mobility Division, is reported to have reduced travel times in Ann Arbor, Michigan, US.

Reports suggested that the weekday travel times along the Ellsworth Corridor, south of Michigan Stadium on a route that runs alongside Interstate 94, has been reduced by 12% and the weekend travel time was reduced by 21%.

The company claims that SCOOT offers efficient and integrated transportation of people and goods by rail and road, including all products, solutions and services regarding mobility.

"The city is certainly leading the way in making tangible reductions in congestion through intelligent technologies."

The real-time traffic control system is reported to have improved traffic flow in Ann Arbor, making it easier for nearly 115,000 residents, to move in and around the city, especially during the school sessions.

In December lst year, Ann Arbor was also the first to be named a Siemens Center of Excellence for Intelligent Traffic Technology, which is a partnership that brings the latest technologies to help the city improve commute, game day and the overall travel experience.

The city is now planning to operate all downtown intersections with SCOOT technology in the upcoming year.

Siemens US Intelligent Traffic Systems CEO Marcus Welz said: “Often when cities like Ann Arbor are faced with a growing population and increased congestion, the first place many look is in expanding physical infrastructure.

"But, this isn’t always an option and that’s where technology comes in.

“Our system takes the guesswork out of managing traffic by monitoring flow as it’s happening and automating and adjusting signal timings.

“As we see in Ann Arbor, the city is certainly leading the way in making tangible reductions in congestion through intelligent technologies.”

The Siemens SCOOT technology detects vehicle volumes using its sensors deployed at the intersections  and communicates the information to the city’s control center and signals to change traffic patterns in real-time.

The system has been deployed along many of Ann Arbor’s major arterial routes and the most recent deployment was along the Ellsworth Corridor.