HAMBURG, Germany, Aug 6, 2026 – Hamburg will pilot a cloud-based traffic signal system that uses real-time data and AI to replace fixed, rule-based signal programs with controls that adjust to changing traffic conditions. The PULS – Progressive Urban Traffic Management and Control Systems project brings together the city’s State Authority for Roads, Bridges and Waterways (LSBG) and Umovity.
The PULS system will learn from traffic conditions and adjust signal-control strategies across the network. The project targets lower delays, more priority to public transit and lower emissions from smoother traffic operations. It also aims to reduce the manual work required to develop and maintain traffic signal programs. Christoph Heel, chief digital officer at LSBG, and Nick Ghia, CEO of Umovity Software by PTV Group, signed the agreement.
Umovity will combine PTV Group and Econolite technology for the project. Econolite’s Centracs Mobility traffic management platform will be deployed in Europe for the first time. PTV Group will develop and evaluate the control strategies and review data security. Its traffic simulation tools will model the effects of the strategies on traffic flow across Hamburg.
The partners will create a pilot environment with multiple signalized intersections. They will validate the control strategies under live traffic conditions and assess operational, technical and organizational factors. The results will inform a potential rollout across Hamburg’s traffic signal network.
Christoph Heel said: “With PULS, we are turning digital transformation into reality. We are creating the technological foundation for connected, data-driven traffic signal control in Hamburg. AI helps optimize traffic by supporting better, faster decisions and continuously improving traffic flow. Through this project, we are investing in a high-performing, resilient and future-ready mobility system.”
Nick Ghia commented: “Hamburg has consistently demonstrated its commitment to innovation in urban mobility. Together with LSBG, we’re taking the next step towards a traffic signal system that continuously adapts to changing conditions, improves traffic flow and gives greater priority to public transport. By bringing together Econolite’s adaptive signal control technology and PTV’s simulation expertise under the Umovity brand, we’re creating a powerful foundation for the future of urban traffic management.”
The project expands LSBG’s work with PTV Group. PTV supports Hamburg’s Mobility Operating System (MOS) project, which coordinates mobility services across the city. The organizations also worked together on the #transmove project, where PTV Optima provides real-time traffic visualization and short-term traffic forecasting for Hamburg’s traffic management platform.
About Umovity
Umovity is a global mobility technology company that provides software, hardware, and professional services to help cities and organizations plan, manage, simulate, and monitor traffic. Its offerings include transport modeling and planning tools, digital twins, real-time and predictive traffic management systems powered by AI and ML, field traffic infrastructure such as controllers, cabinets, and sensors, as well as cloud-based platforms and data services. Umovity serves urban transport agencies, public infrastructure authorities, smart city projects, transit operators, and mobility-focused planners and consultants. The company is headquartered in Karlsruhe, Germany, with a presence in Anaheim, CA.
About PTV Group
PTV Group, founded in 1979 and based in Karlsruhe, Germany, is a global leader in software solutions for traffic planning, simulation, and real-time management. Serving industries like automotive, government agencies, and transportation, the company focuses on advancing smart, efficient, and sustainable mobility solutions. In 2023, PTV Group’s mobility division merged with Econolite under the Umovity brand, strengthening its market presence. With over four decades of expertise, PTV’s proprietary algorithms support microscopic and macroscopic traffic modeling, benefitting more than 2,900 cities and municipalities worldwide. The company employs approximately 670 people globally. In January 2022, Bridgepoint acquired a majority stake in PTV Group, partnering with shareholder Porsche Automobil Holding SE to drive expansion. PTV’s traffic management tools optimize transport networks and support smarter infrastructure planning. Since 2023 PTV Group and Econolite are united under the brand Umovity.
About Econolite
Econolite designs and provides intelligent traffic management systems, including signal controllers, sensors, software, and related services. It supports transportation agencies and infrastructure operators with solutions for intersections, roadways, and smart city networks. Founded in 1933, the company is headquartered in Anaheim, CA. Econolite employs about 850 people, primarily in North America.
About LSBG
The State Authority for Roads, Bridges and Waterways (LSBG) is a Hamburg public infrastructure agency. Founded in 2007, it is headquartered in Hamburg, Germany. The agency plans, builds, maintains and operates roads, bridges, tunnels, waterways and flood protection systems. It also manages locks, pumping stations, traffic signals and public lighting. LSBG supports mobility, construction and water management projects for Hamburg’s government, residents and businesses. The agency manages infrastructure assets and uses digital tools for planning and operations. Its work includes building information modeling and traffic management systems. LSBG employs about 600 people.
