Over recent decades, traffic management has evolved from simple signal timing into sophisticated, data driven systems. Yet, as Swarco McCain points out, one of the most pressing challenges – and greatest opportunities – is interoperability. As cities invest in smarter infrastructure, the seamless integration of hardware and software from different vendors has become essential to realise the benefits of these systems.
The traffic technology landscape is a patchwork of legacy controllers, advanced AI powered detection, varied central management systems, and connected vehicle infrastructure. Too often, these operate in closed ecosystems, relying on proprietary protocols that create silos, restrict data sharing, limit flexibility, and drive up costs. Valuable information remains trapped in isolated systems, while innovation slows as agencies are locked into single vendor solutions.
“Now more than ever, we should continue to improve interoperability in our industry. When systems can smoothly exchange data and monitor devices in real time, agencies can integrate best in class technologies, streamline operations, and improve safety for all road users,” says Tom Stiles, VP of Traffic System Engineering.
“As stewards of our infrastructure, we are obligated to provide standardised interfaces while adding additional protocols to enable innovation, ensuring critical information can be shared quickly with drivers and emergency responders.”
Achieving this vision demands collaboration across the industry. Technology providers must embrace open standards and APIs, government agencies should prioritise interoperability in procurement, and industry bodies, researchers, and academia must support the development and testing of new solutions.
For Swarco McCain, true standards-based interoperability should represent more than a technical upgrade – it is a cultural shift towards openness and shared progress, paving the way for safer, more efficient, and sustainable transport networks.
Stand 1031
