Waze is a real-time road network app that encourages users to share data on congestion, accidents and fuel prices. The information is viewed on an in-app live map that drivers can use to find new routes and avoid busy areas. This helps keep traffic moving and can reduce pollution.
The City of Toronto has partnered with Waze to help improve the traffic conditions in the city. Under the arrangement, the City of Toronto and Waze will share their real-time traffic data with each other. This will create an expanded shared data pool which both parties will be able to access for free.
Toronto will use the data it gains to help make more informed infrastructure decisions designed to improve the traffic flow. Anonymised Waze data will be harvested to identify bottlenecks, plan alternative routes in the case of roadworks or accidents and find areas of the road network that need to be improved. There’s already 560,000 active Waze users in Toronto and more commuters will be encouraged to start sharing data using the app.
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“For the first time, the City is sharing its traffic data with Waze and Waze users. This partnership will give our traffic operations centre better visibility into traffic patterns and provide Waze users enhanced information to plan and adjust their commute,” said Mayor John Tory. “Over the last three years, we have finally focused on fighting traffic in Toronto and improving commute times. I am determined to build on the progress we’ve made and continue the fight each and every day.”
The partnership demonstrates how cloud services and data sharing can have a tangible impact on the real world. Waze users who share data with the service could help contribute towards a modernised Toronto road network that works better for everyone in the city. Analysis of the traffic flow patterns revealed by Waze users will help planning staff develop more effective improvements.
The initiative will also benefit Waze users as real-time Toronto traffic information will be available from within the app. This will help road users to avoid construction zones and congested areas, saving time and fuel by heading for an alternative route. Waze said it will “empower drivers” and let them reach their destination on time.
