Dive Brief:
- In an effort to improve the "experience and lifestyle" of the 650,000 residents and millions of tourists in Las Vegas, the city announced a partnership with Cisco to use connected cameras, sensors and platforms for data collection, as reported in ZD Net.
- Cisco — which already powers the city government’s phones and networking systems — will run a trial of the smart city technology in the city’s innovation district, which was launched last year. According to GCN, 10 intersections are in a "pilot phase," tracking lighting, traffic, crowds and waste management.
- Michael Sherwood, the city’s CIO, told ZD Net that in making Las Vegas a smart city, the city will be able to reroute vehicles, enhance public safety and improve the efficiency of traffic lights.
Dive Insight:
Managing transportation is, of course, a hallmark of a smart city. If not handled properly, a city's transportation network can create nightmares for its residents, like the current situation with New York City's failing subway system or unimaginable congestion in Mexico City. Tackling traffic and transportation is a natural fit for Las Vegas since millions of tourists flood the city each year.
While studies have shown that autonomous vehicles can improve traffic outcomes, depending on AV alone won't be enough for cities looking to relieve congestion. Improving traffic, which has been shown to have negative economic and lifestyle impacts, is a straightforward step that cities can take by using monitoring technology and gathering data.
