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Twitter could help ease Joburg traffic congestion soon

Johannesburg - A research team is hoping to alleviate traffic congestion in Johannesburg by harnessing the power of social media. 

IBM research scientist Bonolo Mathibela, who is heading up the project at the newly-launched research facility in the Tshimologong Precinct in Braamfontein, said work is being done on a system which uses Twitter as a means to gauge traffic congestion in the city. 

The research facility has various departments which look into research around data-driven healthcare, exploring the universe (in its astronomy department) and digital urban ecosystems.

READ: IBM launches Africa's second lab in Joburg

“A recent study by TomTom showed that traffic congestion is higher in developing and newly industrialised nations,” Mathibela told Fin24. 

She added systems currently in place rely on existing infrastructure to gauge where traffic is congested, including tools like GPS tracking.

“We are looking at various methods on how we can reduce traffic congestion in the city. We monitor Twitter using algorithms we have developed, which show us which areas are most affected by traffic congestion on a map in real time,” she said. 

The research team works closely with navigation and mapping company TomTom, which also provides data on traffic congestion around the city. 

Mathibela said that through their research, they could ascertain which areas are most congested and create a solution.

“What we have found is that pointsmen at traffic congested areas significantly aid in the flow of traffic. Through the information we gather, we will be able to determine exactly where pointsmen need to be deployed,” she said.  

While the project is not yet ready to be rolled out, the research facility is working with the City of Johannesburg to make use of the technology soon.

IBM launched its second research location in Africa at the Tshimologong Precinct, after opening its first research lab in Kenya in 2013.

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