Singapore’s Green Link Determining (GLIDE) system revolutionises urban traffic management by optimising traffic signals to enhance flow and reduce congestion. Let’s delve deeper into the technology behind GLIDE, its benefits for commuters, and its role in creating a smarter, more sustainable city.

As urban centres grow increasingly congested, cities around the world are seeking innovative solutions to manage traffic flow. Singapore has emerged as a leader in this domain with its GLIDE system. Adopted from Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System (SCATS), and we now know it as GLIDE here in Singapore, launched in 1988. It uses advanced technology to optimise traffic signal timings based on real-time conditions, significantly improving the efficiency of urban transport.

Understanding the GLIDE System

GLIDE is an intelligent traffic management solution developed by Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA). Its primary function is to control traffic signals across the city, adjusting green light durations dynamically based on vehicle and pedestrian flow.

The evolution of GLIDE reflects Singapore’s commitment to leveraging technology for urban mobility. Initially implemented as a fixed-time system of 85 seconds, it underwent significant upgrades in 1988 when it was adopted from SCATS. Today, GLIDE manages over 2,700 intersections across Singapore, making it one of the most comprehensive traffic management systems globally.

How GLIDE Works
The GLIDE system operates by dynamically adjusting traffic signal timings based on real-time traffic conditions to optimise the flow of vehicles and pedestrians throughout Singapore. It employs wire sensors embedded in the road surface to detect the presence of vehicles and pedestrians at intersections. When a vehicle passes over these sensors, the system calculates the optimal green light duration for that direction, allowing for a “green wave” effect that synchronises adjacent traffic signals.

This means that as vehicles approach a series of intersections, they can often pass through without stopping, reducing delays and improving overall traffic efficiency. The system also incorporates pedestrian push buttons, ensuring that green man signals are activated only when needed, which minimises unnecessary stops for motorists.

Benefits of GLIDE
The benefits of the GLIDE system are substantial. By optimising traffic signal timings, GLIDE significantly reduces congestion and enhances the average speed of vehicles on the road by approximately 4%. This leads to decreased fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions, contributing positively to Singapore’s environmental goals.

Additionally, the system improves safety by prioritising emergency vehicles and ensuring that pedestrian crossings are managed effectively. Overall, GLIDE enhances urban mobility by minimising delays for all road users, fostering a smoother and more efficient commuting experience in Singapore.

Environmental Impact of GLIDE
The environmental benefits of GLIDE are noteworthy. By reducing stop-and-go traffic patterns, GLIDE helps decrease fuel consumption and associated carbon emissions. This aligns with Singapore’s broader sustainability goals.

With improved traffic conditions, public transportation is also becomng a more appealing option for commuters, further reducing reliance on private vehicles.

GLIDE enhances safety for all road users as the system can prioritise green lights for emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire trucks, ensuring they reach their destinations quickly. The integration of pedestrian detection further helps ensure that vehicles do not proceed when pedestrians are crossing, reducing accidents at junctions.

Challenges and Future Directions
While the GLIDE system has transformed urban mobility in Singapore, challenges remain. Encouraging drivers to adapt their habits to new traffic patterns requires ongoing public education while upgrading existing infrastructure to support advanced technologies can be costly and time-consuming. Also, as technology evolves rapidly, maintaining an up-to-date system is essential for continued effectiveness.

Looking forward, several enhancements are planned for the GLIDE system. In 2018, LTA and A*STAR’s Institute for Infocomm Research trialled a next generation smart traffic light control system called CoopeRative and UnIfied Smart Traffic SystEm (CRUISE), harnessing global navigation satellite system and automonous vehicles, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to predict traffic patterns more accurately.

Efforts are also underway to introduce more pedestrian-friendly features such as wave-to-cross technology that activates signals without pressing buttons. Integrating data from ride-sharing platforms could provide additional insights into traffic patterns and further optimise signal timings. For visually-impaired pedestrians, about 1,300 signalised pedestrians crossings in 10 town centres will have audio-tactile signals to make it safer for them to cross the roads.

GLIDE exemplifies how technology can be harnessed to create smarter urban environments. By optimising traffic signal timings based on real-time data, GLIDE not only enhances commuter experiences but also contributes significantly to environmental sustainability and road safety. As Singapore continues to innovate in urban mobility solutions, the lessons learned from the GLIDE initiative will serve as a model for cities worldwide striving for efficient and sustainable transport systems.