One of Preston’s busiest roads to have AI tool used to try and resolve bus delays

A new traffic management tool that aims to improve the reliability of buses is being trialled in Preston.

The AI tool, Aimsun Live, utilises historical data and live inputs to monitor and predict the highway network’s performance.

The software company is trialling the tool on the A6 in London Road – one of the city’s most congested routes.

Councillor Scott Smith, lead member for Highways and Active Travel, said: “AI is still a fairly new concept and as a forward-thinking council, we’re exploring how it can help us improve our services in a multitude of innovative ways.

“Utilising AI in this way on the bus network provides an effective alternative to physical bus priority measures and can be operational at scale much more quickly.

“Not only are we making better use of the transport network, but we are also reducing congestion and minimising the impacts of disruptions and incidents.

“By helping buses through pinch points, delays will be reduced, making the service run more effectively and improving the overall customer experience.

“Ultimately, this is still a pilot, so we will closely monitor and evaluate its impact over the next 12 months, in conjunction with the other improvements we are making to the bus network.”

Aimsun Live can also automate traffic management response plans, reducing the need for human intervention and lowering the costs associated with running and staffing traffic management centres.

This pilot is part of an overarching initiative called Lancashire’s Future Mobility Platform, which focuses on using AI and digital technology to enhance the highway network.

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