People in Santiago, Chile, spend over 100 hours each year stuck at traffic lights. This causes more traffic jams and increases pollution.
Google’s Green Light project uses AI to improve traffic signals, reducing stops by 30% and cutting CO2 emissions by 10% at intersections. Santiago is now one of 15 cities worldwide using this system to improve traffic without expensive infrastructure changes.
How It Works
Green Light analyzes traffic data from Google Maps and Waze to adjust traffic signals. AI-generated suggestions are sent to Santiago’s Traffic Control Operations Unit (UOCT), where engineers fine-tune signals for smoother traffic flow.
Why It Matters
Santiago ranks 126th in global traffic congestion. On a typical 10-km trip, commuters spend over 23 minutes at traffic lights. Stop-and-go traffic increases urban CO2 emissions, with transportation responsible for 15% of global greenhouse gases.
Proven Results
Since 2021, Green Light has helped cities like Manchester, Hamburg, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Seattle, and Boston. The system has reduced unnecessary stops by 30% and lowered CO2 emissions by 10%.
Santiago’s Adoption
Santiago has implemented Green Light at 10 intersections in partnership with Chile’s Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications. “This project shows how technology can help fight climate change,” said project leader Frías.
Future Impact
Green Light currently manages 30 million trips per month. As AI-driven solutions expand, more cities could reduce congestion and pollution, supporting global sustainability goals.
Source: esgnews
