Did you know that behind every red, green, and yellow light lies a wealth of theory and complex calculations? The Transportation Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government held its “Traffic Signal Academy” today (17th), attracting participants from all walks of life. The course not only taught citizens how traffic signals are designed and how they function, but also provided hands-on experiences through a signal control simulation system. Participants actively shared their opinions, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere that marked the event as a resounding success.
Nearly 40 citizens from various sectors joined the course, creating a lively and enthusiastic learning environment. To enhance public understanding and compliance with traffic signal operations, the curriculum covered four major themes: “Basic Principles of Signal Design,” “Signal Coordination Design,” “Dedicated Signal Phasing,” and “Intelligent Signal Control.” The content ranged from introductory to advanced levels, offering a comprehensive overview.
Participants also had the opportunity to operate intersection signal controllers through a real-time simulation system. This hands-on experience allowed them to understand signal phasing and adjustments in practice. Many expressed surprise at the complexities involved in signal timing design, noting how factors such as traffic volume and pedestrian flow influence overall intersection performance and pedestrian safety. Avoiding vehicle-pedestrian conflicts was recognized as a key design priority.
During the session, participants provided valuable suggestions based on their experiences as road users, including the implementation of exclusive pedestrian phases, early pedestrian starts, and protected left-turn phases. These recommendations highlighted the public’s strong concern for traffic safety and desire for improvement.
Commissioner Chang Shu-chuan, Director-General of the Transportation Bureau, emphasized that building a safe traffic environment is a top priority for Kaohsiung City. Through the “Traffic Signal Academy,” citizens can gain a deeper understanding of signal operations and contribute practical suggestions based on their firsthand experiences. These citizen-driven recommendations play a vital role in advancing people-oriented transportation policies and are directly reflected in policy implementation. The Bureau will continue to prioritize human-centered principles in signal design to enhance traffic safety citywide.
(Press Office: Intelligent Transportation Center; Contact: Director Hsu Nai-wen, 0932-880839)
