Introduction to Global Traffic Technologies
Global Traffic Technologies (GTT) is a leading provider of advanced traffic signal priority control solutions for municipalities, emergency responders, and public transit systems. With over 50 years of experience, the company has continually set benchmarks in how cities can leverage intelligent systems to improve road safety, reduce congestion, and optimize emergency response.
Originally developed as part of 3M in 1968, GTT has grown into a global traffic technologies force, with its Opticom™ and Canoga™ product lines installed at over 90,000 intersections and used by more than 70,000 vehicles worldwide. In 2023, GTT was acquired by Miovision, a move that further solidified its market dominance and expanded its innovation capacity.
Company Background and Evolution
GTT’s foundation lies in the creation of technology for emergency vehicle preemption. What started as a basic system to trigger green lights for fire engines has evolved into a complex suite of technologies enabling two-way communication between vehicles and traffic infrastructure.
Rigorous R&D, partnerships with municipalities, and investments in AI, cloud computing, and IoT facilitated GTT’s evolution from a single-solution provider into a technology powerhouse. Over time, the company diversified its offerings to address not only emergency response but also transit reliability, pedestrian safety, and traffic congestion.
Opticom: Transforming Emergency Vehicle Preemption
What is Opticom?
Opticom is GTT’s flagship product, offering traffic signal preemption and priority solutions tailored for emergency and public transit vehicles. Using a combination of GPS, radio frequency, and optical global traffic technologies, Opticom systems allow equipped vehicles to request a green signal ahead of time.
Key Benefits of Opticom:
- Reduced Emergency Response Time
By giving fire trucks and ambulances a green light ahead, response times are cut by up to 25%, potentially saving more lives. - Safer Intersections
Opticom reduces the risk of collision by ensuring clear intersections for emergency vehicles. - Increased Public Trust
Enhanced response times and smoother traffic flow build confidence in local governance and public safety.
Transit Signal Priority (TSP): Enhancing Public Transportation
Transit Signal Priority (TSP) is another powerful solution offered by GTT that helps public buses and light rail vehicles navigate congested routes more efficiently.
How TSP Works:
Using real-time GPS data and vehicle communication systems, TSP enables buses to “request” extra green time or shorter red lights. This ensures on-time arrivals and decreases the number of idling buses, lowering emissions.
Impact of TSP:
- Improved Rider Satisfaction: Reduced delays enhance the commuting experience.
- Increased Ridership: Reliable schedules promote more public transport use.
- Cost Efficiency: Fewer delays mean optimized driver schedules and fuel savings.
Canoga Traffic Sensing: Data-Driven Traffic Management
Canoga is GTT’s solution for intelligent vehicle detection. It provides accurate traffic data that cities can use for planning, maintenance, and real-time monitoring.
Applications of Canoga:
- Bicycle and pedestrian detection
- Speed monitoring in school zones
- Traffic volume and flow analysis
- Smart parking management
Canoga sensors integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure and play a crucial role in developing smart cities.
Smart City Integration and Future-Ready Infrastructure
As urban populations surge and road networks become more complex, integrating smart technology into traffic infrastructure is no longer optional—it’s essential.
GTT’s global traffic technologies are fully compatible with Smart City frameworks. They allow city planners and engineers to
- Predict and manage traffic peaks
- Use data to plan urban expansion.
- Improve multi-modal transport networks.
- Implement connected vehicle (V2X) strategies
By adopting GTT’s solutions, cities lay the groundwork for sustainable and adaptive urban mobility.
GTT’s Role in Sustainability and Climate Initiatives
Reducing Carbon Footprints
GTT contributes to global sustainability goals by:
- Minimizing vehicle idling through traffic optimization
- Promoting public transport via signal prioritization
- Reducing emissions from emergency vehicle stops and starts
Supporting Green Urban Planning
Cities using GTT systems report measurable reductions in fuel consumption and GHG emissions. Opticom and TSP technologies have been instrumental in helping cities meet carbon-neutral goals.
Case Studies: Success Across the Globe
St. Paul, Minnesota
As GTT’s headquarters, St. Paul serves as a living lab for new global traffic technologies. The city’s emergency response fleet is equipped with the latest Opticom GPS units, contributing to a 20% reduction in average response times.
Toronto, Canada
Toronto implemented GTT’s TSP system on several high-traffic corridors. After deployment, on-time bus performance improved by 14%, and transit ridership increased.
Dubai, UAE
In collaboration with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, GTT deployed smart sensing solutions to monitor vehicle speeds and congestion levels, helping reduce traffic-related incidents by over 10% annually.
Acquisition by Miovision: What It Means for the Industry
In 2023, GTT joined Miovision, a Canadian leader in traffic analytics and automation. This merger combined GTT’s in-field technology with Miovision’s AI and cloud-based analytics.
Key Synergies:
- AI-Powered Signal Optimization
- Enhanced Data Sharing Across Cities
- Unified Platform for Monitoring and Management
The result? The traffic control systems have become more powerful, agile, and intelligent, making them ready for the next generation of smart cities.
Partnerships with Emergency Services and Transit Agencies
GTT actively collaborates with
- Fire Departments
- Police Units
- Ambulance Services
- Municipal Transit Authorities
These collaborations ensure that every stakeholder—from paramedics to public bus drivers—can depend on the real-time, responsive nature of GTT systems. Customized training, easy-to-use interfaces, and round-the-clock support ensure seamless deployment.
How Global Traffic Technologies Addresses Global Challenges
Urban Congestion
Cities like Los Angeles and Jakarta have turned to GTT to alleviate bottlenecks. By integrating TSP and real-time monitoring, these cities reduced congestion during peak hours and improved emergency vehicle access.
Road Safety
Through preemption and adaptive signals, GTT helps reduce traffic collisions, particularly at intersections—the site of nearly 50% of urban vehicle crashes.
Public Health and Safety
Faster ambulance response leads to better medical outcomes. Meanwhile, lower emissions support public respiratory health and help meet environmental regulations.
Conclusion: Why GTT Leads the Traffic Tech Revolution
Global Traffic Technologies is not just a service provider—it’s a visionary organization shaping how cities move. With proven tools like Opticom, Canoga, and TSP, and bolstered by Miovision’s analytics, GTT offers comprehensive solutions for today’s mobility challenges.
By empowering emergency responders, supporting green public transport, and enabling smarter cities, GTT makes our roads safer, our air cleaner, and our lives better.
If cities are the hearts of civilization, then traffic systems are their arteries. And no company understands how to keep them flowing like Global Traffic Technologies.
FAQs
What is the main technology behind Opticom?
Opticom uses GPS, radio, and optical technology to allow emergency vehicles to request priority at traffic lights.
Can GTT systems integrate with existing infrastructure?
Yes, GTT solutions are designed to be modular and integrate with legacy traffic systems.
What is the cost of implementing a GTT system?
Costs vary based on city size, vehicle numbers, and signal count, but ROI is quickly realized through fuel savings and reduced delays.
Do GTT solutions support pedestrian safety?
Yes, Canoga sensors detect pedestrians and cyclists, helping cities enhance crosswalk safety.
Is GTT involved in connected vehicle research?
Yes, GTT is actively developing V2X (vehicle-to-everything) technologies to support future mobility systems.
How does the acquisition by Miovision affect existing GTT customers?
Current customers gain access to Miovision’s advanced analytics while continuing to use GTT’s proven systems.