Russian Buses Can Now “Talk” to Smart Traffic Lights
The technology allows public transport to receive service data from road infrastructure in advance and factor it into driving decisions.
Public transport operator Passazhiravtotrans in St. Petersburg is actively rolling out advanced digital technologies to improve safety and comfort for city residents. One of the key initiatives is integrating buses with intelligent road infrastructure, the city’s transport committee said.
At several intersections, buses are now operating in tandem with traffic light control systems. The technology allows vehicles to receive service information from roadside infrastructure ahead of time and take it into account while moving. The system is currently being tested in pilot mode on a MAZ bus.
Smoother Driving, More Accurate Schedules
All new buses delivered since 2023 have been equipped with V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communication hardware, enabling data exchange with elements of the road environment. In total, 795 buses in St. Petersburg have already been fitted with the technology.
Information from traffic lights is displayed inside the driver’s cab, which is particularly important in heavy traffic, poor visibility, or difficult weather conditions. The system helps drivers choose optimal speeds, brake more smoothly before intersections, and keep to schedule.
In the longer term, technologies like this are expected to become part of a broader smart urban environment.
