I was stuck in traffic because of poorly timed lights

By Xuan Hoang   January 18, 2025 | 03:00 pm PT
Traffic congestion at busy intersections in Ho Chi Minh City is getting worse, and a significant factor is poorly calibrated traffic light cycles.

At some intersections, traffic light cycles are heavily imbalanced. For instance, green lights last only 20 seconds, while red lights can extend up to 100 seconds.

Red light at an intersection in District 3, HCMC, on the evening of Jan. 10, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Gia Minh

Red light at an intersection in District 3, HCMC, on the evening of Jan. 10, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Gia Minh

Just this morning, I could not get past an intersection despite waiting through several light cycles. Even when the green light came on, vehicles ahead took an additional 5–10 seconds before moving. This delay created a ripple effect that severely reduced the city's traffic efficiency.

To address this issue, I propose flexible traffic light cycles tailored to vehicle density at different times of the day.

Major intersections should have sensors to monitor traffic flow and AI technology to adjust light durations automatically. During peak hours, extending green lights can help vehicles move through intersections more smoothly.

Additional steps are essential, such as creating bus priority lanes, setting up early warning systems on roads approaching intersections, and raising public awareness about following traffic laws.

Traffic congestion goes beyond immediate delays—it impacts urban living standards. A smarter traffic light system on HCMC’s roads, paired with modern infrastructure and better traffic law compliance, can ease congestion, boost transport efficiency, and improve the city’s quality of life.

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