Thailand’s Department of Highways (DOH) is experimenting with a bluetooth-based monitoring system that will offer real-time traffic information to its engineers, which will ultimately allow road users to avoid congestion in Bangkok.

Bangkok has some of the worst traffic congestion points in the world, especially during holiday seasons.

BlipTrack sensors were placed at strategic points along the roads. These sensors, covering around a 600km section of highway in and around Bangkok, detect bluetooth or wi-fi devices found in mobile phones and in-car audio and communication systems.

BLIP Systems marketing manager Christian Bugislaus Carstens said: “By re-identifying the devices from multiple sensors, specific and accurate statistical information, such as the travel times, average speeds, dwell times and movement patterns become available.”

“The idea was to present real-time traffic information to road users during these major holiday periods, to help them make informed decisions, when planning their trip.”

BLIP Systems Thailand partner New Trend Development Company Ltd managing director JJ Nutayakul said: “The Department of Highway (DOH) wanted to measure and compare travel times on the Intercity Motorway, The Bangkok Expressway and neighboring routes in Bangkok.

“The idea was to present real-time traffic information to road users, via DOH´s ‘Thailand Highway Traffic’ mobile app, during these major holiday periods, to help them make informed decisions, when planning their trip.”

The mobile app provides information on travel times, fastest routes and other traffic information. This information is continually updated in-line with the behavior of road users. By considering their route and the time they depart, motorists can help to keep the traffic moving. The BlipTrack data will help in reducing travel times, fuel consumption and vehicle emissions.

Image: A laptop displaying a road map. Photo: Courtesy of BLIP Systems.