Why did UBC implement NoTraffic’s adaptive signal technology on campus?

UBC faced growing traffic congestion, pedestrian delays, and environmental concerns due to the daily movement of over 50,000 students, staff, and visitors. NoTraffic’s AI-driven platform was deployed to enhance safety, improve traffic flow, and reduce emissions.

What areas of the UBC campus were targeted for traffic optimization?

The Wesbrook Mall corridor, a key campus artery with heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic, was selected due to its high congestion levels and safety risks.

What improvements were achieved from the NoTraffic deployment at UBC?

The pilot project delivered: 16–40% reduction in pedestrian delays 7% reduction in vehicle control delay 74 metric tons of CO₂ emissions eliminated annually

How does NoTraffic’s platform improve both vehicle and pedestrian traffic?

The system uses real-time data and AI to adjust signal timing dynamically. This reduces pedestrian and vehicle wait times without compromising safety, creating smoother traffic flow and better crossing experiences.

What environmental benefits resulted from UBC’s traffic optimization?

By reducing vehicle idling time during peak hours, the system cut 74 metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually, supporting UBC’s sustainability goals.

Can other universities use this model for campus traffic management?

Yes. The UBC case demonstrates a scalable and replicable model for universities and municipalities aiming to enhance mobility, reduce emissions, and improve safety in pedestrian-rich environments.

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UBC: A New Model for Campus Mobility

Author: Notraffic

Case Studies Mar 11, 2025

Overview

The Challenge: Managing Traffic at a Bustling University Campus

With over 50,000 students, faculty, and visitors navigating the University of British Columbia (UBC) campus daily, traffic management has become increasingly complex. To address these challenges, UBC partnered with NoTraffic, and UBC’s research and sustainability teams to pilot an optimized traffic management system designed to enhance campus safety, improve traffic flow, and reduce environmental impact.

Mobility and Safety Goals:
• Reduce Pedestrian and Side-Street Delay
• Improve Mainline Progression
• Enhance Safety for All Road Users

Location

British Columbia, Canada

Population

50,000+

About

For universities and municipalities facing similar challenges, the UBC case study provides a scalable, replicable model for optimizing urban mobility, improving campus accessibility, and fostering a safer, greener transportation ecosystem.

The Wesbrook Mall corridor, a major pedestrian and vehicle route, experiences high congestion, leading to safety concerns, increased emissions, and significant delays. To address these challenges, UBC partnered with NoTraffic, and UBC’s research and sustainability teams to pilot an optimized traffic management system designed to enhance campus safety, improve traffic flow, and reduce environmental impact.

Result: Measurable Improvements in Mobility and Sustainability

The deployment of NoTraffic’s adaptive signal control led to significant improvements in efficiency, safety, and environmental impact:

Pedestrian Delay Reduction: The NoTraffic platform reduced pedestrian delays by 16-40%, enabling safer and faster crossings without increasing vehicle wait times.
Vehicle Delay Reduction: Vehicle delays were also reduced by 7%, minimizing idle times and enhancing traffic flow during peak hours
Environmental Impact: By cutting vehicle idling time, NoTraffic’s solution eliminated 74 metric tons of CO₂ annually

Metric	Improvement (%)
Control Delay	7%
Pedestrian Delay	16-40%
Annual CO2 Reduction	74 T

Conclusion: A Model for Campus Mobility Infrastructure

The UBC Wesbrook Mall project highlights how adaptive traffic management technology can effectively address mobility and safety challenges in pedestrian-dense environments. By leveraging AI-driven optimization, UBC has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability, safety, and efficiency, setting a benchmark for other institutions.