New technology to slash delays and boost bus reliability
Friday August 8th, 2025
Issued on behalf of Tees Valley Combined Authority
Two cutting-edge digital projects are driving major improvements in the Tees Valley’s transport network.
First up: the AI-powered Yutraffic FUSION Next Generation Adaptive Control system is now up and running across 40% of eligible sites within the Tees Valley, using real-time data to adjust traffic light timings to improve traffic flows.Early results from the busy A66/A135 junction, in Stockton, shows there has been a reduction of almost a third in average daily delays – with waits slashed by more than half (54%) during afternoon rush hour.
“Nobody enjoys sitting in traffic – and it’s brilliant we’re already seeing our investment in this new technology paying off. We want fewer delays, faster commutes, and better air quality.”
Meanwhile, the Tees Valley Traffic Digital Twin – designed to detect delays early and cut bus journey times – is also fully up and running at the region’s Urban Traffic Management & Control (UTMC) centre, in Middlesbrough.
The UTMC is the nerve-centre for the Tees Valley’s sprawling road network which co-ordinates signs, cameras and signals to make our network as efficient as possible.
The new Aimsun Traffic Digital Twin can automatically identify late-running buses and take real-time action, initially targeting ten key routes to improve punctuality.
The twin works by harnessing advanced modelling software through Aimsun Live, AI, and real-time data from the roadside and Bus Open Data Source.
The system is now primed for rolling out – and will be monitored and evaluated by the UTMC over the next year.
and Infrastructure
“This is a huge step forward for Tees Valley. We’re not just upgrading our transport network – we’re making it smarter, faster, and more reliable. The Digital Twin shows what our region can do when we harness the best of technology. Over the next year, I’m hopeful it will help make catching the bus a better, more dependable choice for thousands of local people.”
The TVCA has invested more than £2million in the two projects as part of efforts to update and upgrade the UTMC, which is currently overseen by Middlesbrough Council.
A spokesperson for Middlesbrough Council added: “The initial results are positive and we’re pleased to note that the time it takes to travel through the junction at peak periods has reduced. We will continue to monitor and evaluate the system in the coming months.”
