Traffic signal priority for cities & regions
Green light for what can’t wait.
SWARCO Smart Priority gives buses, emergency vehicles and cyclists priority at traffic signals – via the cloud, using the vehicles’ existing position data and without new hardware at every intersection.
Yesterday’s priority systems cost too much and deliver too little.
Many cities still run signal priority over short-range radio. That means a receiver in every controller, a transmitter in every bus and constant maintenance.
Traditional Radio-based priority
- A receiver is needed at every signal installation
- Dedicated transmitter and positioning in every vehicle
- High operating and maintenance costs
- Grants priority even when the bus is ahead of schedule
- Hard to see what actually happens
SWARCO Smart Priority
- Cloud service using existing communication
- Reuses the vehicles’ existing position data
- Less hardware – lower operating and maintenance costs
- Priority only when needed, e.g. when running late
- Web interface with statistics and follow-up
From vehicle position to green light – in three steps.
Smart Priority sits between the vehicles and the traffic signals and makes the decision where it is smartest: centrally.
The vehicle sends its position
The bus’s on-board system, vehicle computer or the Smart Priority app sends position and data to the cloud service.
The cloud weighs the request
The system assesses the need – is the bus late? Is it an emergency? – and weighs requests between different vehicles.
The signal turns green
An IP-based request goes to the traffic controller, which grants priority. Everything is logged for statistics and follow-up.
One platform. Three ways to keep traffic flowing.
Public transport
Shorter journey times and better regularity make public transport more attractive – more people choose the bus.
- Conditional priority based on the timetable
- Several bus systems in one solution
- Scales for small and large fleets
Emergency vehicles
A green wave for ambulances, fire services and police – shorter response times and safer passage through intersections.
- A clear path through the city’s hubs
- Calmer, safer driving
- Better conditions for care on the way
Cycling
With the Smart Priority app, cyclists can request green time – a concrete step towards sustainable urban mobility.
- Green time via app with position data
- Support for cycle routes and commuter corridors
- Same platform, same statistics
What sets Smart Priority apart from other ways to prioritise.
Priority is more than switching a light. It’s about the right decision, at the right moment, with follow-up afterwards.
| Capability | SWARCO Smart Priority | Radio-based priority | Fixed-time control |
|---|---|---|---|
| No new receiver at every intersection | ✓ Cloud-based | ✕ | ✓ |
| Uses the vehicles’ existing position data | ✓ | ✕ Dedicated transmitter required | – |
| Priority only when the bus is late | ✓ Conditional | Limited | ✕ |
| Bus, emergency and bike in one system | ✓ | Often separate systems | ✕ |
| Several bus operators/systems in one solution | ✓ | ✕ | – |
| Statistics and follow-up in a web interface | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Local delivery and support | ✓ SWARCO in 80 countries | Varies | Varies |
The whole chain – from the signal head to the cloud.
Consultants can plan priority. SWARCO builds, delivers and operates it – signals, controllers, traffic management and software from one partner.
One supplier, one responsibility
Traffic lights, controllers and priority software built to work together.
Proven in the Nordics
In operation in Swedish and Norwegian cities – under demanding climate, rules and operators.
Quick to get started
Reuse existing infrastructure and on-board equipment – less installation, faster results.
Measurable results
Track every priority event in the web interface and show the impact to decision-makers and transport authorities.
Already in operation – where winter is toughest.
Smarter bus priority, better flow
Luleå moved from an older priority system to Smart Priority together with LLT (Luleå public transport) and SWARCO Sweden. Buses that were late or on time got priority, while buses that didn’t need it were not – giving smoother traffic for everyone. The regional transport authority in Norrbotten has since shown interest in a county-wide solution.
Public transportFaster journeys for public transport
Møre og Romsdal County Council chose Smart Priority to give buses in the Ålesund area faster green lights. The goal: keep to the timetable, attract more passengers and cut emissions.
Public transportGood to know before you start.
Do we need to install new hardware at every intersection?
Normally, no. Smart Priority is a cloud service that sends IP-based requests to the controller over existing communication. We review your installation in the pre-study.
Does it work with the buses’ existing on-board systems?
Yes. The solution takes position data from existing on-board units or vehicle computers and can connect several bus systems and operators in one solution.
Do all buses get priority all the time?
No – and that’s the point. Priority can be conditional, for example so that only buses running behind schedule get priority. That protects the flow of other traffic.
Can we start small?
Absolutely. Many start with one line or corridor, measure the effect in the statistics tool and then scale up to more lines, emergency vehicles or cycling.
How do we test before going live?
With the Smart Priority app, an ordinary car can simulate a bus, so you can verify priority works at every intersection before going live.
See Smart Priority in your own city.
Book a free demo. We’ll show how priority would work on your lines and at your intersections – and what it takes to get started.