Agent Based Intelligent Traffic Management System for Smart Cities

Abstract

The performance of traffic systems is greatly dependent on their ability to react to changing traffic patterns and different situations. On traditional traffic systems, the lights run green for fixed intervals of time no matter what the density of the traffic is. Here, we implement an intelligent-agent traffic model that controls the amount of time a light runs green for, based on the number of cars (density) standing in the light. With an increase in the pace at which we lead our lives, time is of the essence. One place where time is wasted is on the road being stuck in traffic jams due to mismanagement of traffic. The effectiveness of (urban) traffic control systems greatly depends on its ability to react upon changes in traffic patterns, however, conventional traffic control systems, being unintelligent are unable to do this. Be the traffic density, high or low, the signals are timed and run according to those times only. This results in increased congestion along the roads which also results in significant air pollution, an increased safety risk and also has a negative effect on the populace's mental wellbeing. It is only when the ability to react becomes an integral part of the traffic control unit, its ability to react to changes in traffic conditions improves. The responsive control system should have sufficient knowledge of the situation to be able to handle unforeseen changes in traffic flow, such as accidents or car break-down. Intelligent signal control systems must have the capability to optimize the traffic flow by adjusting the traffic lights and co- ordinate operation between each signal in order to maximize the person and vehicular throughput and minimize delay. For intelligent urban traffic control, we ideally need a fully pro-active, real-time traffic control system; anticipating what will happen within the near future. 2. Need for Smart City A smart city (also smarter city) uses digital technologies or information and communication technologies (ICT) to enhance quality and performance of urban services, to reduce costs and resource consumption, and to engage more effectively and actively with its citizens. Smart city applications are developed with the goal of improving the management of urban flows and allowing for real time responses to challenges (18).A