Regional Traffic Data Systems (RTDS) – The Road to the Future of “Open Data”
Presented by Keenan Kitasaka, Manager - Intelligent Transportation Systems, TransLink and
Henry Ng, Project Manager - Intelligent Transportation Systems, TransLink

This presentation will provide an overview of RTDS, the latest project in the region to acquire “probe-based” information in an open data environment.  The RTDS project acquires positioning information through cell phone signals as “probes”, converts the data to travel time and speed profiles in key corridors, displays them in real time for customers, and archives the information in a database for further analysis of road network and corridor performance. The system is an innovative and cost-effective solution to address the lack of traffic data in the region and will provide information 24-7, 365 days a year. The real time information will be integrated into a public-facing web site to allow customers to make better transportation choices. As well, the information will be sent to the Regional Transportation Management Centre (RTMC) where the speeds will be monitored by staff for incident and congestion management purposes. The archived information will be available to planners and engineers in the public sector and to private sector groups, subject to controls.

An objective of the project will be to provide access to the information in an “open data” environment. Various levels of the public sector agencies are striving towards providing easier access to data to leverage the private sector’s innovation and ability to develop applications and provide value-added services.  However, there are challenges to operating in an open data environment, especially within the confines of the Privacy Act.

The discussion will provide an overview of the project and touch on issues encountered in an open data environment such as privacy, security, ownership, and access.