Q-Free Kinetic Mobility is PennDOT's software approach for streamlining statewide traffic signal operations. The system initially launched in 2018 with more than 100 traffic signals. The system was upgraded from Maxview to Kinetic Mobility in December

Kinetic Mobility is a web-based software allowing control of signals remotely, along with real-time monitoring and operation of connected traffic signals. Kinetic Mobility will be integrated with the software used by PennDOT’s Traffic Management Centers, which allows TMC operators to implement predefined timings (action sets) for special events, work zones, and incidents. Action sets can also be used to mitigate recurring congestion where signal impacts vary based on the amount of traffic diverting from congested freeways.

Kinetic Mobility fulfills a need identified in the Transportation Advisory Commission’s 2005 report titled Pennsylvania Traffic Signal Systems: A Review of Policies and Procedures. Prior to Maxview, PennDOT districts used more than a dozen different signal management platforms, each operating on its own computer and/or server. When an issue occurred, it needed to be addressed on that specific workstation.

PennDOT is currently working with traffic signal vendors to integrate their modern controllers into Maxview. Today, Econolite, Intelight/Q-Free, and Siemens/Yunex controllers are fully supported. Discussions with other manufacturers are ongoing.

Since traffic signals in Pennsylvania are owned by municipalities, the Kinetic Mobility web-based platform provides a simple method to facilitate both municipal and maintenance contractor access. CWOPA credentials are needed, with user access to Kinetic Mobility configured accordingly.

Municipalities should be encouraged to integrate their signals into Kinetic Mobility as it will reduce their costs of maintaining a separate platform. Those interested in connecting signals should contact the BOO TSMO Arterials & Planning Section for details (signals@pa.gov).