Vancouver partners with Google's Green Light to optimize traffic signals
The city's pilot program uses AI and Google Maps data to recommend timing changes that could reduce stops and emissions — at no cost to the municipality.
Sources · local media reports
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The City of Vancouver has joined Google's Green Light initiative, a global AI program that analyzes driving patterns to recommend optimal traffic signal timing changes. The pilot officially began July 17, 2026, and will run through the end of 2027 at no cost to the city.
Google will analyze aggregated driving trends from Google Maps along with specialized machine-learning models to identify intersections where signal timing adjustments could improve traffic flow and reduce unnecessary stops, idling, and greenhouse gas emissions. The recommendations will be advisory only — the city retains full control over its traffic signals and will decide whether to implement any suggested changes.
Google will not connect directly to or integrate its technology with Vancouver's traffic systems, nor will the city provide proprietary infrastructure information, including existing signal timing plans. The city can withdraw from the initiative with 60 days' notice.
Since launching in 2023, Green Light has enrolled about 20 cities worldwide, including Rio de Janeiro, Hyderabad, Hamburg, Manchester, Boston, and Seattle. Quebec City became the first Canadian city to use the program in 2025, optimizing 13 key intersections. Google reports that Green Light has shown potential to reduce stop-and-go traffic by up to 30 per cent and estimated carbon emissions by up to 10 per cent at urban intersections. As of summer 2025, over 55 million vehicles per month cross intersections optimized by Green Light globally.
The program examines signal cycles, wait times, stop-and-go patterns, and coordination between nearby intersections throughout the day to make its recommendations. The agreement was made directly with Google without competitive bidding because Green Light relies on Google's proprietary Maps data and closed machine-learning platform.
The facts
When did Vancouver's Green Light pilot program start?
The pilot officially began on July 17, 2026, and will run through the end of 2027.
How many Canadian cities are using Google's Green Light program?
At least two Canadian cities are using Green Light: Quebec City, which became the first to adopt it in 2025, and Vancouver, which joined in 2026.
What is Google's estimated potential impact of Green Light at optimized intersections?
Google reports that Green Light has shown potential to reduce stop-and-go traffic by up to 30 per cent and estimated carbon emissions by up to 10 per cent at urban intersections.
Will Google directly control Vancouver's traffic signals?
No. Google will not connect directly to or integrate its technology with Vancouver's traffic systems, and the city retains full control over its signals and will decide whether to implement any recommendations.
