Yunex Traffic Powering Hamburg’s Smart Mobility Leap
Hamburg is embarking on one of Germany’s most ambitious traffic modernisation programmes, replacing its entire traffic computer infrastructure with a next-generation OCIT-based central control system. This sweeping upgrade, led by Yunex Traffic in partnership with Hamburg Verkehrsanlagen GmbH, will manage up to 2,000 signalised intersections across the city.
At the heart of the initiative is the Yutraffic Symphony platform, a robust, location-redundant system that brings real-time orchestration to every traffic light. The goal: smoother flows, safer roads, and more efficient urban mobility. As the largest project of its kind in Germany, it’s setting a new benchmark for how cities can transition from ageing systems to advanced digital platforms without disruption.
Smarter Signals for a Dynamic City
The scale of Hamburg’s transformation is striking. Ten legacy traffic computers will be retired, replaced with a unified system capable of dynamic control. The platform doesn’t just turn lights red or green; it integrates quality assurance to continuously monitor performance, adapts to traffic volumes, and prioritises public transport and emergency vehicles.
Nils Schmidt, Managing Director Yunex Traffic Germany, captured the spirit of the initiative: “Hamburg is showing how modern traffic technology can truly support the shift to sustainable mobility. We’re proud to be part of this pioneering project and to set new standards for urban mobility together with such an innovative partner.”
This move is more than just a tech upgrade; it’s a rethinking of how a city’s arteries can be managed for maximum efficiency and minimum environmental impact.
Built for Resilience and Security
Modern traffic control systems are no longer simple switchboards; they’re critical infrastructure. Hamburg’s new architecture meets stringent IT security requirements, incorporates Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) functions, and uses open protocols like OCIT-O V3.0 for seamless communication.
This open architecture means that the system can interact effortlessly with key city agencies, including:
- Hamburg Police Traffic Control Centre
- State Office for Roads, Bridges and Waters
- Hamburg Port Authority
The design ensures resilience against system failures, adaptability to emerging technologies, and long-term sustainability.
Driving the Mobility Transition
Hamburg’s investment dovetails with its broader strategy to shift towards sustainable urban transport. With traffic lights that can prioritise buses, trams, and emergency services, public transport becomes faster and more reliable, encouraging its use over private cars. This, in turn, helps reduce congestion and lower CO₂ emissions.
By cutting travel times and optimising flows, the system also improves air quality and boosts economic productivity. Businesses benefit from more predictable logistics, and residents enjoy shorter, more reliable commutes.
Setting a European Benchmark
The scale and sophistication of this upgrade are already attracting attention beyond Germany. Cities across Europe grappling with similar challenges are watching closely. Hamburg’s approach, upgrading without halting operations, serves as a blueprint for how to execute complex modernisations in densely populated areas.
By combining open interfaces with strong cybersecurity, Hamburg is ensuring that the system remains both adaptable and secure, ready to integrate future technologies such as AI-driven predictive traffic modelling and autonomous vehicle management.
Partnership for Progress
The collaboration between Yunex Traffic and Hamburg Verkehrsanlagen GmbH goes beyond contractual obligations. It’s a shared mission to modernise urban mobility in a way that’s both sustainable and scalable.
This partnership’s success lies in:
- Leveraging proven technology platforms
- Coordinating across multiple stakeholders
- Maintaining operational continuity during the transition
- Aligning with the city’s environmental and mobility goals
Such a model could be replicated in other metropolitan regions, especially those dealing with outdated systems that no longer meet critical infrastructure standards.
A Green Light
Hamburg’s move signals a decisive step into the future of traffic management. The project is not just about installing new hardware and software; it’s about creating an adaptable, resilient, and intelligent backbone for the city’s mobility network.
As urban populations grow and sustainability pressures mount, the need for intelligent transport systems will only intensify. Hamburg’s approach offers a case study in how to get it right, balancing technological ambition with practical execution.
Paving the Way for Smarter Cities
With this initiative, Hamburg is positioning itself as a leader in the European smart mobility landscape. Its commitment to sustainable, safe, and efficient transport is backed by a system designed to evolve with the city’s needs.
The lessons learned here will not only benefit Hamburg’s residents but could shape how cities worldwide reimagine traffic control in the age of intelligent mobility.
