TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Hualien County is testing a smart traffic system that gives ambulances priority at five intersections near Tzu Chi Hospital, CNA reported Monday.
The county government said the system uses AI-powered traffic signals and technology that communicates with ambulances to detect approaching emergency vehicles. It can then adjust traffic lights to help ambulances move through busy intersections more quickly.
The trial is being carried out by the county's construction and fire departments with traffic technology companies. It aims to shorten ambulance travel times while keeping other road users moving safely.
When an ambulance responds to an emergency, the system tracks its location, direction, and estimated arrival time at an intersection. It also checks traffic conditions and current signal patterns before changing the lights to give the ambulance priority.
Electronic message signs have also been installed at the five intersections. When an ambulance approaches, the signs show its direction and warn drivers to slow down, watch surrounding traffic, and give way, per UDN.
The trial covers five key intersections around Tzu Chi Hospital, including locations along Zhongyang Road, Section 3, and near the hospital's emergency department. The county government is carrying out the project in two stages.
From Saturday through Aug. 31, officials are collecting data on ambulance travel times and traffic volumes to establish a baseline. From Sept. 1-30, the ambulance priority system will operate for testing and evaluation, per CTEE.
The county government said the system is expected to reduce the time ambulances spend passing through intersections by about 20%-30%. Officials said the time saved could help emergency crews reach patients or transport them to hospitals more quickly.
After the trial, the county will decide whether to expand the system to other major intersections and use it for firefighting and other emergency services. Officials said the same platform could later be used to give buses priority and improve traffic signal management.
