Parsons Transforming Intersections Challenge Applications Due October 18

The Parsons Corporation – a technology provider in defense, intelligence, and critical infrastructure – launched its ‘Transforming Intersections’ challenge with the goal of improving traffic flow around cities and reducing the amount of time drivers sit at red lights. Parsons states that with its Intelligent Intersections solution, cities and counties can leverage existing data to provide automated traffic re-timing based on changing traffic patterns to enhance mobility.

Connected vehicles would be able to communicate with traffic signals, the signals can give priority  to emergency vehicles, and can automatically extend green cycles for pedestrians needing extra time to cross the street.

“Starting today, cities and counties in the United States, Canada, and beyond can apply to collaborate with us to use new mobility technologies to address the challenges their transportation networks face every day,” said Andrew Liu, Parsons senior vice president of smart cities.

The company notes that more than four million hours of annual vehicle delays are caused by poor signal timing alone within the USA, and 40% of all pedestrian accidents happen at intersections. It is estimated that drivers could reduce their fuel consumption by 20% with well-timed signals.

“Every year people spend more than a week and a half of their life sitting at red traffic lights,” said Chuck Harrington, Parsons’ chairman and CEO. “By changing intersections through our Transforming Intersections challenge, we will not only revolutionize how cities move, but we’ll provide people with some of their valuable time back to do things other than sit at a traffic light. Our goal is to give cities the opportunity to increase their mobility, reduce their carbon footprint through reduced idling of vehicles, and keep their city moving.”

Parsons’ Transforming Intersections challenge is for cities, counties, and other public agencies that own or operate traffic signals. Entrants have until October 18, 2019 to apply. Semifinalists will be awarded two or three workshops with the company’s smart-city experts to help develop their final applications and define their visions for transforming intersections. The challenge winner will receive a free trial pilot for one year, which includes integration costs, software costs, and technical support for that period. For planning purposes, Parson will also provide the winner with details regarding options to remove or continue with the services after the trial.To apply go to Parsons Smart Cities Challenge.