Since April 2023, Incheon City, in collaboration with the Incheon Metropolitan Police, has introduced an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) aimed at improving the compliance rate with the critical “golden time” (7 minutes) for firefighting vehicles responding to emergencies. Operated in conjunction with the police traffic management center, the ITS initiative has already yielded significant improvements across various sectors.

Key Initiatives:
1. Emergency Vehicle Priority Signal Service in Incheon
The Emergency Vehicle Priority Signal Service, a core component of the ITS, has proven highly effective in enhancing the golden time compliance rate. This AI-driven service automatically turns traffic lights green for firefighting vehicles, allowing uninterrupted travel from the fire station to the disaster site in the event of a fire. The service, utilizing a hybrid system introduced for the first time in South Korea, prioritizes emergency vehicles while also informing civilian drivers via navigation systems, minimizing signal waiting times for general traffic. Notably, the system has ensured the safety of firefighters, with no accidents reported during its operation.

2. Expansion of AI-based Signal Optimization on Major Arterial Roads
Incheon plans to expand the deployment of AI-based signal optimization, which was introduced in 2023 on 10 major arterial roads, to an additional 8 roads by 2025. Signal optimization involves adjusting the timing of traffic lights to improve the flow of vehicles and pedestrians at intersections. This system uses traffic data gathered from ITS-enabled smart intersections to minimize waiting times for general traffic. Additionally, AI leverages big data and reinforcement learning algorithms to further optimize signal cycles, effectively reducing congestion and increasing travel efficiency.

Looking ahead, Incheon aims to share emergency dispatch information with driver navigation systems through collaboration with various private navigation providers. Moreover, AI-driven signal optimization will be integrated into bus route planning, which is expected to further enhance the city’s transportation services. These efforts will not only reduce traffic congestion but also prevent accidents and improve overall convenience for citizens, as the system continues to evolve.

· Source: Incheon Metropolitan City