Google Expands Project Green Light to Boston, Aims to Cut Traffic Emissions with Smarter Signals

On May 22, 2025, Google announced the expansion of Project Green Light to Boston. The initiative adjusts traffic signal timing at major intersections to reduce vehicle emissions. By cutting unnecessary idling, the system improves traffic flow and lowers greenhouse gas output.

Project Green Light uses data from Google Maps to identify traffic patterns. It then recommends changes to signal timing. Cities apply those changes manually—there’s no automation involved. In pilot cities like Seattle and Rio de Janeiro, the system cut stops by up to 30% and reduced emissions by up to 10%.

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Boston joins a growing list of cities including Manchester, Jakarta, and Hamburg. Google says 14 cities now run the program, covering over 70 intersections. Officials in Boston say this could ease congestion in high-traffic areas like Back Bay and Kenmore Square.

The tool doesn’t require new infrastructure. Cities only need to share traffic signal timing data. Google combines that with movement data from Maps to flag trouble spots.

The company developed Project Green Light with partners like WRI and aims to expand it to more cities this year. By working with urban planners, Google wants to make commutes faster and streets cleaner—without installing new hardware.