Vienna improves mobility with real time traffic information

A forecast of the expected traffic situation is essential for improving mobility management – and in turn helps everyone that moves in the streets. This is why PTV Optima software is used at the traffic control center of ITS Vienna region.

ITS Vienna Region is the competence center for intelligent transport systems (ITS) of the three Austrian states in and around Vienna. It collects and processes digital traffic data, to develop services and to improve traffic efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

CURRENT AND FUTURE TRAFFIC SITUATION
To receive real-time information, ITS Vienna Region uses PTV Optima - PTV’s tool for traffic management. The software combines reliable offline traffic modeling with real-time data and algorithms. It also considers reactions to unplanned traffic delays and known disturbances, such as accidents and construction sites.

Based on the data from PTV Optima, ITS Vienna Region calculates and visualizes current and future traffic situation. The results are updated every five minutes, benefiting all connected systems of ITS Vienna Region, like national journey planer AnachB.

“We have been working with PTV products to evaluate traffic levels in Vienna for many years now”, says Hans Fiby, Head of ITS Vienna Region, “In 2014 we decided to replace the previous ‘PTV Traffic Platform’ with PTV Optima, and in doing so, to improve our services. High quality information about the traffic situation forms the basis for well-grounded decisions in the operational headquarters. Up-to-date and complete data is crucial for traffic management and traffic control. This is why ITS Vienna Region relies on PTV Optima.”

In terms of offline data provision, PTV Optima uses a classic traffic demand model by PTV Visum software. This model considers all types of road users and their interactions. It covers an area of 2,700 square kilometers, divided into 1,096 zones, with a total of almost 150,000 streets and 50,000 traffic arteries.

SINGLE SOURCE SOLUTION 
To guarantee the quality and reliability of its services, ITS Vienna Region follows a single source solution by PTV. PTV products cover long-term data storage, the offline model, and data fusion and forecast engine.

With PTV Optima forecasts, ITS Vienna Region also feeds the Austrian national route planner based on PTV HyperPath, so that drivers can plan their routes and avoid existing or upcoming queues. The software also compares scenarios, which further improves the decision-making of traffic operators.