By Freya Purnell
IBM has teamed up with partners from academia, government and industry to launch the Smart Transport Research Centre (STRC) based at the Queensland University of Technology.
The STRC has brought together more than 10 researchers in traffic management, as well as launch partners QUT, Queensland Government, Queensland Motorways, IBM, QCIF, Thales, Brisbane Airport, Griffith University and the University of Queensland.
IBM will contribute its global consulting expertise and technology in developing smarter traffic solutions to help make Australia’s transportation infrastructure smarter, improve commuter experiences and reduce environmental impact.
IBM will provide the STRC with software and expertise in solving similar transport problems around the world. These assets and best practice will be used to develop a blueprint to tackle transport problems in Brisbane, with a series of practical, research-based solutions to reduce congestion. Proven solutions for Queensland will then be scaled and extended to the rest of Australia.
Catherine Caruana-McManus, Smarter Cities executive, IBM Australia, said, “Building in intelligence and interconnectedness will enable us to predict demand and optimise transport infrastructure more accurately –and looking to solutions such as smart tolling and real-time travel updates will create a more positive and productive commuter experience.”
The projects include research into predictive routes to allow people to plan the easiest way to their destination using real-time information, congestion reduction to minimise traffic queues, strategies for equitable road-use and smarter technology to dynamically manage special purpose lanes to optimise public transport.
QUT Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering executive dean, Professor Martin Betts, said, “IBM brings its deep global expertise in building smarter transportation systems around the world to the table. We know technology needs to play a central role in traffic management strategies and we anticipate our research in South-East Queensland’s transport networks will bring us one step closer to solving Australia’s transport dilemma.”
