• Santiago commuters spend 100+ hours annually stuck at traffic lights, worsening congestion and emissions.
• Google’s Green Light project optimizes traffic signals using AI, reducing stops by up to 30% and CO2 emissions at intersections by 10%.
• Santiago joins 15 global cities in implementing this technology, streamlining traffic without costly infrastructure upgrades.

Santiago ranks 126th in global traffic congestion, with commuters spending over 23 minutes at traffic lights on a typical 10-kilometer trip, according to the TomTom Traffic Index 2024. This stop-and-go traffic significantly contributes to urban CO2 emissions, with transportation responsible for 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

AI-Driven Solution:

Google Research launched Green Light to tackle urban traffic inefficiencies. “We explored various ideas, and my wife pointed out how much time is wasted at traffic lights,” said Dotan Emanuel, a software engineer at Google Research. The project leverages Google Maps and Waze data to analyze traffic patterns and adjust light synchronization accordingly.

How It Works:

Green Light integrates real-time mobility data with traffic light locations to identify congestion points. AI-generated recommendations are sent to Santiago’s Traffic Control Operations Unit (UOCT), enabling engineers to fine-tune signal timing without costly new infrastructure.

Related Article: Google and BCG: Pioneering AI-Powered Climate Solutions

Proven Impact:

Since its 2021 launch, Green Light has been implemented in cities like Manchester, Hamburg, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Seattle, and Boston. The system has cut unnecessary stops by 30% and reduced intersection-based CO2 emissions by 10%.

Santiago’s Adoption:

In partnership with Chile’s Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications, Santiago has adapted 10 intersections to the Green Light system. “This project demonstrates how technology can significantly impact the fight against climate change,” said Frías, a key project leader.

Looking Ahead:

With Green Light managing 30 million trips monthly across its network, its expansion in Santiago signals a step toward sustainable urban transport. As AI-driven solutions scale, cities worldwide could see similar improvements in congestion and air quality, aligning with global sustainability goals.

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