Traffic congestion continues to be a major challenge for Phuket, significantly impacting tourism. To address this, the local government has introduced two key strategies aimed at easing the issue.
Expressway Route to Open by 2030
A new expressway connecting Muang Mai to Koh Kaew, extending to Kathu, and including a tunnel from Kathu to Patong Beach, has been approved. This project, estimated at 60 billion baht, is expected to be completed by 2029 and operational by 2030. The goal is to reduce traffic congestion and improve the overall convenience for tourists.
AI-Powered Traffic Management to Reduce Congestion by 30-40%
Another significant step involves the use of AI to manage Phuket’s entire traffic system, inspired by Singapore’s successful model. A survey of local intersections has already been conducted to install cameras and integrate the system. This AI-driven system is expected to reduce congestion by 30-40% with a budget of 400 million baht.
The system will feature a central control room managing 85 intersections across Phuket. With real-time data from traffic cameras, the system will adjust traffic flow every 40 seconds to improve movement. The AI system will also integrate with local police stations and agencies, allowing for quick responses to incidents. If approved, the project is expected to be implemented in about four months.
Singapore’s Proven AI Traffic Solution
Singapore’s traffic management model, which leverages AI, has achieved significant success. Between 2017 and 2022, the city projected a rise in daily trips from 9 million to 16 million vehicles. To manage this growth without excessive infrastructure expansion, Singapore launched the Smart Mobility 2030 initiative, using AI to maintain smooth traffic flow.
Phuket plans to replicate Singapore’s success, focusing on AI to enhance intersection efficiency, reduce congestion, and improve safety.
Key Results from Singapore’s AI Traffic Management
- Time Efficiency: Peak-hour travel time reduced by 20%, and average speed increased from 18 km/h to 21 km/h.
- Public Transport: Public transport usage grew by 25% since 2020, with more accurate travel time predictions and reduced wait times for buses and trains.
- Environmental Impact: Fuel savings of 10% for public transport, a reduction of 500,000 tons of CO₂ emissions per year, and a 10% decrease in PM2.5 air pollution.
- Cost Savings: AI solutions save $1 billion annually, with an additional $500 million saved by avoiding costly road projects.
Phuket’s initiative aims to mirror these outcomes, driving efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in urban mobility.
Key Technologies in Singapore’s AI Traffic Model
- Intelligent Transport System (ITS): This system integrates data from traffic cameras, GPS, and road sensors to predict traffic patterns, identify congestion points, and adjust signals in real-time.
- Electronic Road Pricing (ERP 2.0): A system that adjusts toll rates based on real-time traffic conditions to encourage drivers to avoid congested routes.
- Public Transportation Adjustments: AI optimizes bus and train frequencies based on passenger demand.
- AI Traffic Cameras: These cameras monitor traffic violations like speeding and illegal parking, using automatic license plate recognition to issue fines.
Whether Phuket follows Singapore’s model exactly or adapts aspects of it, this initiative will mark the first comprehensive deployment of AI-powered traffic management in Thailand.
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