Geotab is working with intelligent transportation infrastructure specialist Applied Information to deliver green-light priority for freight, public works and commercial fleets.

The product integrates Geotab Go telematics devices with Applied Information’s Glance smart-city supervisory platform.

When a qualifying truck approaches a connected signal, secure location and speed data from its Geotab Go device enable Glance to request an early or extended green light if it will not disrupt overall coordination. By allowing heavy freight vehicles to move at a speed to clear intersections safely, the system helps avoid unnecessary stops and restarts, ultimately reducing fuel use and emissions while maintaining on-time deliveries.

“Unnecessary stops cost freight operators time, fuel and money,” said Bryan Mulligan, president of Applied Information. “By combining Geotab’s telematics data with our proven signal priority algorithms, we can give fleets a practical way to keep trucks and deliveries moving efficiently while reducing fuel use, cutting costs and improving supply chain reliability.”

A pilot project in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, conducted by the University of Alabama (www.ua.edu) in partnership with the Alabama Department of Transportation (www.dot.state.al.us), demonstrated the potential of freight signal priority in a real-world environment. The deployment along a 26-intersection freight corridor recorded travel time reductions of up to 47 per cent for participating trucks without impacting general traffic flow.

“Our goal with connected vehicle technology is to improve traffic signal operations so heavy freight vehicles can clear intersections safely and efficiently,” said Alex Hainen, associate professor at the University of Alabama. “In our deployment, trucks were able to travel the corridor without stopping, avoiding unnecessary acceleration and fuel use. Travel times improved by nearly half compared with baseline conditions while keeping other traffic flowing, and we are excited to see these benefits continue to expand for freight operators and communities.”

Louis De Jong, chief revenue officer at Geotab, added: “Our collaboration with Applied Information exemplifies how strategic partnerships can enhance our core offering. By seamlessly integrating their intelligent transportation, we’re providing transportation and public works fleets with an even more robust and connected experience.”

In 2011, Applied Information (www.appinfoinc.com) transformed the traffic industry by using IoT technology to make school zones safer for students. Today, it makes it easier to see and manage all types of traffic control devices from anywhere, on a phone or in a browser.

Geotab (www.geotab.com) specialises in connected vehicle and asset management from its headquarters in Oakville, Ontario, and Atlanta, Georgia.