A study out of Austin, Texas is looking into a type of traffic application called Crowdsourcing.
The concept allows users with a specific application on their mobile device, when backed up in heavy traffic, to communicate with traffic control devices nearby and allow for better flow of traffic.
The study has the attention of Traffic Engineers in Tampa Bay.
"The Texas article intrigued them," According to Florida Department of Transportation Spokesperson Kris Carson. "We don't have that approved for the state of Florida, but we'll definitely be monitoring to see how it goes in Texas."
Technology is key in the state of Florida's efforts in reducing congestion on the road.
A quick glance into most intersections will show a variety of traffic control devices, many of which already rely on your mobile device for information.
The state uses Blue TOAD Technology to gather information from drivers on the highways. Similar to Bluetooth communication, it collects passive data wirelessly from cell data as it passes receive sites.
Carson says this technology helps them control traffic flow.
"And there's receivers on there, so they'll receive a bunch of data," Carson said. "Now, I can't change the signals to make traffic go faster, but it can at least serve as a data collection point for us so we can go back and see what corridor needs to be retimed or what's backing up more than it should."
The Blue TOAD collection combined with the many different camera systems, some which monitor traffic flow while others work with traffic signal controls, are part of an overall Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) to keep traffic moving in Tampa Bay.
Learn more about F.D.O.T's ITS system on their website.