TriMet Deploys LYT Intelligent Transit Signal Priority Software in Portland Area for Improved Bus and Traffic Flow

LYT smart traffic technology will get millions of riders to their destinations faster and on-time

Santa Clara, Calif., – July 20, 2021 – LYT, a leader in intelligent connected traffic technology solutions, and TriMet, provider of mass transit transportation services in the Portland, Oregon metro area, are jointly deploying LYT’s next generation Transit Signal Priority (TSP) software solution as part of TriMet’s Division Transit Project.

Incorporating LYT’s TSP software, LYT.transit, will allow traffic signals to prioritize bus travel, improving timing and reliability for transit riders. The Division Transit Project is paving the way for longer buses moving efficiently and reliably at frequent service intervals, enabling riders to reach their destination faster and on time. Improving the timing of TriMet’s public bus transportation will improve traffic flow.

The Kirkland-based firm INRIX last year released their 2020 survey of global traffic congestion and showed that the Portland metro area ranks 14th worst in the nation and 115th worst in the world. Portland area commuters lost 27 hours being stuck in traffic during 2020¹.

“TriMet is one of the most progressive transit agencies in the nation, leveraging modern technologies to improve transportation for the people across the Portland Metro Region,” said Timothy Menard, Founder and CEO of LYT. “Our goal is to improve the way people move through our cities while improving safety and reducing congestion for communities. By adopting LYT’s solutions, agencies like TriMet can leverage artificial intelligence, machine learning technologies, and real-time information and analytics to improve the intelligence of their operation, benefitting travelers and residents alike.”

Once it’s completed this fall, the Division Transit Project will speed up bus service with longer buses, more frequent service and the newer Transit Signal Priority system between downtown Portland, east Portland and the suburb of Gresham. LYT’s technology is now installed in 58 intersections and the entire Division Transit Project will be set to begin moving passengers on September 18, 2022.

“We awarded the Division Transit Project to LYT based on their technology and expertise. LYT has completed setup and we are now beginning operational training and testing along the Division Street corridor,” said A.J. O’Conner, Director Intelligent Transportation Systems at TriMet. “By moving buses faster and more efficiently, our riders will be able to rely on TriMet buses more and ultimately more people will have the confidence to get on board.”

For the last 100 years the humble traffic light has been reliant on its simple social sensors. LYT connects the signal to information that is far-reaching to move the point that LYT connected the traffic lights back to the road users. LYT unlocks the power that’s inside the signal and influences the decisioning and operations of that signal in the cloud using artificial intelligence. By leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence to tap into what’s happening at the street level, LYT is making signals operate more efficiently and smarter. LYT’s solutions are offered and implemented very quickly for entire cities.

About LYT

LYT is an intelligent connected traffic technology provider that offers a cloud-based platform that orchestrates today’s Intelligent Transportation Systems. LYT’s AI-powered machine learning data enables a suite of transit signal priority solutions that utilize pre-existing transit tracking sensors and city communication networks to dynamically adjust the phase and timing of traffic signals to provide sufficient green clearance time while minimally impacting cross traffic. LYT is headquartered in Silicon Valley and serves municipalities across the US. Learn more at LYT.ai.

About TriMet

TriMet provides bus, light rail, commuter rail transit and paratransit services in the Portland, Oregon, metro area. TriMet connects people with their community, while easing traffic congestion and reducing air pollution—making the Portland area a better place to live. For more information about TriMet, please visit www.trimet.org.