[Kaohsiung News]
Traffic signals are a part of daily life for citizens—everyone sees them every time they head out. Yet, beyond the repeated cycles of green, yellow, and red lights, there lies a complex system of theory and design. To improve public understanding of traffic signals, the Transportation Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government will launch the inaugural “Traffic Signal Academy” in May. This course aims to provide easy-to-understand traffic safety knowledge and help citizens better understand and comply with traffic signal rules, thereby promoting safer and more harmonious traffic conditions in Kaohsiung.
The Transportation Bureau stated that, in order to enhance intersection safety, traffic signals in the city are operated with various phasing strategies such as early-start, late-cut, and exclusive turn phases. Additionally, signal displays may include combinations of traditional circular lights and arrow signals. To help citizens gain a clearer understanding of how these signals are designed and operated, the Bureau is launching the “Traffic Signal Academy.”
The Bureau further explained that the course will cover four main topics: “Basic Principles of Signal Design,” “Coordinated Signal Systems,” “Exclusive Signal Phasing Design,” and “Intelligent Signal Control.” These themes will guide participants from the fundamentals of traffic signal design to advanced concepts such as signal coordination, specialized phasing, and smart signal control. The course includes both lectures and real-world application scenarios. To enhance learning, actual traffic signal equipment and controllers will be used to simulate real intersection environments, allowing participants to experience the functionality firsthand. This immersive experience aims to deepen participants’ understanding of signal operations and strengthen their compliance with traffic regulations.
In addition, the course will collect and address public feedback regarding practical signal usage issues encountered on the road, fostering two-way communication and problem-solving.
The “Traffic Signal Academy” is scheduled to begin in early May 2025 at the 21st floor Intelligent Transportation Center of the Transportation Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government. Citizens are welcome to register for courses based on their needs. Whether new drivers or individuals with an interest in signal systems, participants can choose classes suited to their experience levels. Through this initiative, the Bureau hopes to deepen public comprehension of the meaning and application of traffic signals, cultivate good compliance habits, and reduce traffic incidents.
For registration details, please refer to the online registration link (https://forms.gle/1rRbECwgZWGiFM8DA) or visit the Facebook fan page “Turning Kaohsiung’s Youth Dreams – Transportation Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government.” The Bureau also encourages the public to invite friends and family to join the “Traffic Signal Academy” and contribute collectively to the safety of Kaohsiung’s roads.
(Press Contact: Intelligent Transportation Center; Contact Person: Director Hsu Nai-wen, 0932-880839)
