Information and communication technology (ICT) is a promising solution for mitigating road traffic congestion. ICT allows road users and vehicles to be managed based on real-time road status information. In Tanzania, traffic congestion causes losses of TZS 655 billion per year. The main objective of this study was to develop an optimal approach for integrating real-time road information (RRI) to mitigate traffic congestion. Our research survey focused on three cities that are highly affected by traffic congestion, i.e., Arusha, Mwanza, and Dar es Salaam. The results showed that ICT is not yet utilized fully to solve road traffic congestion. Thus, we established a possible approach for Tanzania based on an analysis of road traffic data provided by organizations responsible for road traffic management and road users. Furthermore, we evaluated the available road information management techniques to test their suitability for use in Tanzania. Using the floating car data technique, fuzzy logic was implemented for real-time traffic level detection and decision making. Based on this solution, we propose a RRI system architecture, which considers the effective utilization of readily available communication technology in Tanzania.
Vehicles saturation in transportation infrastructure causes traffic congestion, accidents, transportation delays and environment pollution. This problem can be resolved with proper management of traffic flow. Existing traffic management systems are challenged on capturing and processing real-time road data from wide area road networks. The main purpose of this study is to address the gap by implementing a mobile phone based Road Information Management System. The proposed system integrates three modules for data collection, storage and information dissemination. The modules works together to enable real-time traffic control. Disseminated information from the system, enables road users to adjust their travelling habit, also it allows the traffic lights to control the traffic in relation to the real-time situation occurring on the road. In this paper the system implementation and testing was performed. The results indicated that there is a possibility to track traffic data using Global Positioning System enabled mobile phones, and after processing the collected data, real-time traffic status was displayed on web interface. This enabled road users to know in advance the situation occurring on the roads and hence make proper travelling decision. Further research should consider adjusting the traffic lights control system to understand the disseminated real-time traffic information.
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