Digitalisation for Optimal Traffic Management: Future-Proofing TfGM’s Intelligent Transport System Platform
- Open Access
- 2026
- OriginalPaper
- Buchkapitel
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Abstract
1 Introduction
This project aims to enhance the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) platform at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) for better traffic management, fostering collaboration among stakeholders. It also addresses broader goals of boosting the regional economy, promoting social mobility, and improving the environment.
Urban transportation networks are complex, demanding efficient management for safety and sustainability. TfGM's partnership with Atkins in this project follows standard practices in urban Network Management (NM) systems, addressing common challenges in the UK and Europe. Additionally, it embraces future technologies and standards. This project builds on the 1990s foundation, focusing on the Urban Traffic Management Control (UTMC) system, which TfGM adopted early.
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A comprehensive transformation of TfGM's traffic management capabilities was explored throughout the project. The approach integrates real-time traffic data and deploys smart mobility assets leveraging the collaborative features of the UTMC system and embracing digitalisation. This aims to enable informed decision-making, optimise traffic flow, enhance safety, and prepare for a resilient and future-ready transport ecosystem.
2 Literature Review
It is widely acknowledged across governments, cities, and agencies that Intelligent Transport Systems play a significant role in the strategic management of goods, people and services in cities and regions around the globe (DfT, 2017). Anderson and Sutcliffe (2000) outline the importance of such systems, exploring ITS’ role in improving road safety, efficiency and the environment, noting the crucial part of integration and technology, along with the need for national and regional ITS strategies. This is further explored by Miles (2014), exploring the structure and evolution of worldwide ITS applications, from its early origins to the emergence of ITS into the mainstream of transport network management, looking at how ITS standards also play a key role.
The importance of standards in the development of ITS systems is demonstrated by the inception of the UTMC framework in UK, formally being adopted in 1997, with the UK Department for Transport identifying the “additional benefits that can be obtained from integrating applications including better services, reduced costs, and increased flexibility” (CIHT, 1999), specifically the definition of “open systems” that enable “network managers to expand and develop their systems to implement the new policies”. This digital collaboration lies at the core of ITS systems and is further emphasised through the development of CEN/TC 278 Intelligent Transport Systems, established in 1992 and adopted by 33 member states, where CEN (2018) describes the importance of the integration of assets and systems in a multi-modal and mixed vendor environment.
This mixed vendor environment, and a lack of open specifications and standards has been widely acknowledged across the industry from both a public and private sector perspective, spawning a number of projects and initiatives, such as the Promotion of Open Specifications and Standards in Europe (POSSE) project in 2012–14. This looked to demonstrate the benefits of open standards such as UTMC and how this can “encourage and maintain more sustainable patterns of travel and reduce environmental impacts through prioritising the highway for public transport, walking and cycling, better management of the networks to reduce congestion, and through providing multimodal travel information to enable travellers to make informed choices” (EC, 2014).
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Williams (2008) extensively reviews ITS standards across global markets, echoing others in identifying the need for integration between assets, systems, and data, however, the case is also made for greater collaboration between industry organisations, public sector, and the wider technology community. With a view to future ITS systems and applications, Williams also discusses the continuous development of the ITS market sector, notably driven by advances in telecommunication technologies that enable real-time decision-making, congestion reduction and the enhancement of safety and efficiencies.
Through this continuously developing transport landscape, it is imperative that transport authorities adapt to rapidly developing systems and technologies and can harness these to connecting communities safely and reliably, deliver economic prosperity, and enable a strong sense of social value through a thriving environment. This is reflected in the development of ‘Digital Roads 2025’ by National Highways, a strategic vision which sets out to “improve the way the Strategic Road Network is designed, built, operated and used, enabling safer journeys, faster delivery and an enhanced customer experience for all.” (National Highways, 2021), through embracing data, technology and connectivity.
As the transport authority for a growing population of over 2.8 million residents, TfGM is responsible for ensuring safe, reliable, and integrated transport network. To achieve this, the organisation has embraced changes in technologies and cultivated a pro-active approach to network management. This is demonstrated through TfGM’s history of being an ‘early adopter’ of ITS, through the rollout of SCOOT adaptive control in the 1990s and the early implementation of UTMC in the Control Centre. Recognising the continuous need to adapt and harness new technologies for a world-leading city region, TfGM’s partnership with Atkins to support the delivery of an ITS platform represents a move towards the aspiration for a safe, reliable and fully integrated transport network, known as “The Bee Network”. This will provide an integrated transport system which will join buses, trams, cycling, walking and rail, supporting seamless end-to-end journeys.
3 Implementation and Results
The progression towards enhancing the TfGM's ITS platform entailed a systematic and collaborative methodology, guiding the project from inception to implementation.
The project initiated with a feasibility phase, during which an assessment was carried out on the existing infrastructure, identifying areas for improvement. TfGM’s ITS Team played a central role in shaping the project's direction, aligning it with TfGM's objectives, and securing the necessary resources.
The procurement phase will be pivotal, involving the selection of technology and solutions to underpin the enhanced ITS platform. Consultations with key stakeholders, including transport operators and internal TfGM teams ensured their insights and requirements were integrated into the project's design.
The implementation process will encompass deploying advanced technologies and integrating real-time traffic data sources. This involved upgrading and expanding the existing infrastructure to accommodate the new system's demands.
A vital aspect of the project will be the integration of data from diverse sources, such as CCTV, Floating Vehicle Data, and Bus Priority Data. This real-time data fusion will form the backbone of the enhanced ITS platform. The project will also maximise the value of existing smart mobility assets, such as connected traffic signals and adaptive signage, aimed at improving traffic flow and responsiveness.
Leveraging the existing Urban Traffic Management Control (UTMC) system and enhancing its capabilities for seamless data exchange and collaborative decision-making holds a significant role.
The implementation of the enhanced ITS platform is expected to yield substantial results and improvements in traffic management and efficiency. Benefits such as real-time decision-making will improve due to the integration of multiple data sources enabling TfGM to respond efficiently to traffic incidents and congestion.
Traffic flow optimisation will be achieved through the deployment of ITS assets, combined with data-driven insights that may result in smoother traffic flow, reduced congestion, and shorter commute times for commuters.
Digitalisation will play a pivotal role in transforming legacy systems into dynamic, data-driven solutions. The UTMC system's collaborative capabilities will be instrumental in facilitating data exchange and decision-making among stakeholders, underscoring its importance in modern urban traffic management.
The data-driven approach will demonstrate efficiency in asset utilisation. By optimising the use of existing resources and reducing maintenance costs, TfGM will not only enhanc its fiscal sustainability but will also contribute to the longevity of transportation infrastructure.
4 Alignment with Strategic Ambitions
TfGM, supporting the growth of the Greater Manchester city-region with it’s ambitious ‘Transport Strategy 2040’, is taking bold steps to meet its vision of supporting sustainable economic growth, protecting the environment, improving quality of life for all and developing an innovative city-region. The strategy outlines a comprehensive vision in enabling a transport system that supports a strong economy by enabling goods to reach customers, and businesses to access skills and talent. This also has a major bearing on people’s health and well-being by supporting social interaction, encouraging more active travel and reducing pollution.
Across Greater Manchester and the wider transport networks, the way people travel and how roads are used is changing. Transport users expect more information on their journeys and need that information in increasingly digitised ways, indicating more needs to be done across transport networks. This creates significant challenges; transport demand is increasing and changing, existing transport modes and traffic management solutions are under pressure, and new business models and transport modes are emerging. Transport network operations are becoming more connected, more digital, and more complex. In order to meet these challenges, we need to harness the opportunities of data, connectivity and growth in digital technologies in an integrated and harmonised way.
Recognising that transport is crucial in unlocking these benefits, TfGM has also acknowledged the pivotal role of technology and innovation in bringing the plan to fruition. This is demonstrated through the roadmap identified through this workstream, in the planned delivery of an ITS Platform that will fully integrate existing and new traffic management systems and data streams, to provide a holistic view of the transport network. Making better use of data and providing customer information will allow customers to make more informed choices about how and when they travel, choosing more sustainable modes- walking and cycling and public transport.
Aligning with TfGM’s flagship Bee Network, a vision for a world-class transport system, with all modes integrated to enable seamless journeys, the ITS platform will bring together a technology package, that promotes innovation, data sharing and a move toward a digitised highway environment, whilst also supporting existing ongoing investment into cycling & walking infrastructure programmes, along with bus, tram and rail improvements.
TfGM have long understood that ITS solutions can deliver better facilities for all modes, improved customer information and data to assist planning and forecasting. Additionally, data for real time operations utilised in the Control Centre and operational teams, supports the response to events and incidents on the network, reducing congestion and the negative impacts this has on the transport network and environment.
With digital collaboration central to the approach in the delivery of the ITS platform, it is imperative that TfGM fosters partnerships between various stakeholders, including government agencies, local authorities, public transport operators, and private mobility service providers to facilitate this. The ITS platform will act as a central hub, where data from various sources, such as traffic sensors, public transport systems, and real-time passenger information, can be collected, analysed, and shared in real-time. This data-sharing ecosystem enables better coordination, leading to more efficient and pro-active network management.
Paramount to this, are ‘core’ established services, such as a UTMC system, which through existing defined standards, allow for real-time monitoring of traffic conditions, enabling TfGM to make data-driven interventions swiftly across the network. As outlined, this will be enhanced through harnessing advances in data services and technologies, such as artificial intelligence, connected vehicles and the emergence of new, granular datasets, such as in-vehicle monitoring and information services. The ITS platform aligns seamlessly with the strategic ambitions of Greater Manchester's 2040 transport strategy and will serve as the operational backbone that enables TfGM to achieve its key objectives.
5 Anticipated Findings
The implementation of the enhanced Intelligent Transport System (ITS) platform at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) will yield extensive benefits that extend far beyond improving traffic management, efficiency, and sustainability, supporting the strategic vision of improving economic growth and enabling a healthier society.
While the project is expected to achieve a multitude of benefits, it is imperative to acknowledge and address the limitations and challenges that may arise during implementation. The integration of data from diverse sources is expected to present technical challenges. However, through close stakeholder engagement, advances in systems integration that enable digital collaboration will enhance robust data management systems and interoperability standards. Moving forwards, continued investment in technology and data integration will be essential to sustain the system's effectiveness, adopting a continuous improvement approach.
Central to the project will be the collaborative approach embraced by TfGM and its partners. This cooperative spirit among transport operators, local authorities, and stakeholders will demonstrate the potential for comprehensive and effective traffic management solutions. The shared expertise, resources, and data exchange will maximise the value of the project outcomes.
Digitalisation will also play a pivotal role in modernising legacy systems. The Urban Traffic Management Control (UTMC) system, with its collaborative capabilities, will facilitate seamless data exchange and decision-making among stakeholders, emphasising the system's crucial role in the future of urban traffic management. There are plans to complete further UTMC to UTMC connections with neighbouring authorities to enhance collaborative network management efforts.
As discussed, the ambitions for the delivery of an ITS platform align with TfGM's strategic ambitions, particularly the 2040 transport strategy and the rapidly developing Bee Network. By embracing data-driven decision-making, enhancing safety, reducing congestion, and optimising resources, this initiative significantly contributes to creating a smarter and more interconnected transport network. It also supports TfGM's dedication to enhancing the overall quality of life for Greater Manchester's residents and commuters. The system will also provide a basis for continuous enhancements, with a future-proofed platform that will adapt to new emerging technologies.
The project sets the stage for exciting possibilities. Future developments may include the expansion of smart mobility assets, further integration of emerging technologies, and an ongoing commitment to sustainability.
TfGM's journey towards a smarter and more connected transport network is well underway, and the future holds the promise of continuous innovation and enhancements in urban traffic management.
6 Conclusion
The project’s efforts to enhance TfGM's Intelligent Transport System (ITS) mark a significant milestone in urban traffic management. Driven by data-driven decision-making and collaborative digitalisation, this project has outlined a shift in approach to deliver an optimised traffic management and fostered cooperation among stakeholders.
Integrating real-time data sources and deploying smart mobility assets is expected to improve decision-making, traffic flow, and safety. This benefits not only Greater Manchester but will also sets a standard for urban traffic management across the UK and Europe. The enhanced ITS platform positions TfGM at the forefront of urban transportation management. It's ready to meet future challenges and opportunities with efficiency and resilience.
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