On November 28, at the POLIS 2024 Conference in Karlsruhe, Germany, the ERTICO powered TN-ITS platform presented insights into how its tools are enabling cities to share standardized map data and improve traffic management strategies. The session “Navigating Intelligent Traffic Management” gathered mobility experts, city representatives, and industry leaders to discuss collaborative and data-driven approaches to urban mobility challenges – and a key takeaway was that that sharing and communicating the right data is as essential as the data itself.
This idea was central to the presentation by TN-ITS, which highlighted its enhanced data chain cycle, demonstrating how public authorities (PAs) and service providers (SPs) can collaborate to ensure data is represented in a standardized format. In this way, the platform enhances interoperability, facilitates efficient data sharing, and improves feedback mechanisms. These contributions firmly place the work of TN-ITS as a vital resource for cities seeking to address real-time mobility challenges while aligning traffic management strategies with broader policy goals.
Emphasizing Co-Creation in Decision-Making
A central and recurring theme throughout the session was the importance of making traffic management decisions collaboratively. Cities shared how co-creation, involving public authorities, private actors, and local stakeholders, ensures that solutions align with community needs. Real-time data, combined with cooperative management, was shown to be instrumental in designing effective response plans. The session also emphasized the need for feedback loops to continually assess whether traffic strategies are achieving policy objectives, such as improving air quality or reducing congestion.
Lessons from Across Europe
The session featured a series of inspiring case studies. In Budapest, collaboration between the city and transport providers is helping to address air pollution through better traffic management. Solutions such as optimizing traffic flow and encouraging alternative modes of transport are making a tangible impact on air quality.
In Antwerp, a multimodal route planner app is helping to reduce congestion around the city’s ring road by integrating digital hubs and promoting cooperation among stakeholders. Meanwhile, Amsterdam is taking a digital-first approach by developing an AI-based tool to predict traffic flow scenarios. This not only addresses immediate traffic needs but also adheres to the requirements of the EU’s AI Act, showing how innovation can be guided by ethical considerations.
Other examples included Helmond, where traffic light data is being used to identify unsafe patterns and improve road safety. In Stuttgart, a multimodal navigation system is providing real-time route recommendations for major events, showcasing the value of integrated traffic solutions.
The Role of TN-ITS
TN-ITS plays a crucial role in supporting these advancements by enabling the seamless exchange of standardized map-related data between public authorities and service providers. TN-ITS president Christian Kleine explained how the TN-ITS platform enhances data-sharing processes, ensuring that information is represented in ways that improve interoperability and real-time decision-making.
ERTICO is the host of the TN-ITS multistakeholder innovation platform, with members representing over 90% of the world’s business in digital maps. TN-ITS is the reference data exchange for static map-related attributes, such as speed limits, as set out in the RTTI Delegated Regulation 2022-670. It is fully compatible with service providers’ map production processes.
As part of the NAPCORE project, the merger of TN-ITS standard with DATEX II was presented as a significant step forward. This collaboration facilitates data-sharing formats that meet the needs of both public authorities and service providers, enabling practical applications such as accurate speed limit updates, improved lane information, and clearer traffic circulation plans. These enhancements help ensure that drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians benefit from up-to-date and reliable data in their daily journeys.
Moving Forward
The session underscored that effective traffic management relies on more than just technology—it requires partnerships and collaboration, a focus on shared priorities, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By integrating insights and technical expertise from TN-ITS and other platforms powered by ERTICO, we can create safer, more sustainable urban mobility systems.
