How the MBTA Turned to AI to Improve Bus Travel Times in Allston Corridor
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has launched a new initiative to enhance bus travel efficiency in a heavily trafficked corridor in the heart of Boston’s Allston neighborhood.
Brighton Avenue through Allston is notorious for traffic congestion. With its mix of bicyclists, buses, cars, delivery drivers, and pedestrians, it’s a prime spot for public buses to encounter delays.
The MBTA turned to artificial intelligence (AI) technology to forecast when a bus would approach each intersection. This AI exercise allowed MBTA officials to determine the optimal time to advance the traffic signals at these intersections to enable traffic to flow efficiently and give the bus a better chance at arriving during a green light activation.
According to a MassLive report, since the implementation of this program, bus travel times through the Allston corridor have improved with an 8% reduction in overall trip length.
MBTA officials are optimistic about the program’s success and its scalability to improve bus routes throughout the Greater Boston region.
