Waco selects TNL USA for Advanced Multimodal Traffic Solutions
WACO, Texas, 12-18-2025. The Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has contracted TNL USA to pilot advanced traffic management solutions at key downtown intersections. Supporting the Waco region safety goals and programs like Vision Zero, these solutions will improve throughput and traffic flow for all traffic modes at intersections in downtown Waco, and improve pedestrian access to downtown businesses. The project is funded through the federal Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grant Program.
Four use cases for Waco MPO
TNL USA will support the Waco MPO by realizing four use cases in Waco:
Use Case 1: Pedestrian priority downtown
Pedestrians will have priority throughout downtown Waco thanks to adaptive green lights phasing at crossings. Waiting times for public transit and motorized vehicles will be respected.
Use Case 2: Safer, smoother crossings under I-35 for bicycles and scooters
“Active” traffic modes, such as cyclists and scooter riders, will have priority at crossings underneath I-35 in downtown Waco. Smoother crossing will create an increased perception of safety. The objective is to strengthen connections between Baylor University and downtown businesses.
Use Case 3: Reduced bus travel times
With reduced wait times for transit (i.e. buses) at traffic lights, bus passengers will have shorter travel times. This will result in a better travel experience and improve public transport reliability approaching and leaving the downtown Transit Center.
Use Case 4: Foster Pavilion event management
Event-focused traffic management at Foster Pavilion will improve safety and efficiency by better coordinating movements among pedestrians, vehicles, and transit.
Advanced, proven traffic technology
TNL USA will employ advanced traffic technology based on well-researched and proven solutions in Europe and several successful implementations in the USA. These cost-effective systems integrate well with Waco’s existing traffic infrastructure.
FlowCube
AI-based traffic sensor and edge computer. With adaptable pattern recognition, the FlowCube can identify different traffic modes, such as cars, trucks, bikes, and pedestrians.
MobiMaestro
Traffic management platform with modules for many different tasks. It offers dynamic control of traffic lights, digital traffic information panels, and other traffic technology. Its algorithms react to changing traffic conditions, adapting green times at traffic lights to optimize traffic flows.
The system will use FlowCube sensors installed at more than 20 intersections in downtown Wace to detect and classify the traffic. Every two seconds, MobiMaestro calculates the optimum traffic signal plan. It then sends commands to the signal controllers to achieve the best traffic flow throughout the city.
These data-driven solutions will help implement Waco’s policies and yield tangible results for all road users. Furthermore, system data will give the city valuable insight into various metrics like traffic volumes, movements, and near-misses.
“The project will assess impacts on specific use cases, such as improving the pedestrian experience downtown, testing transit prioritization, and improving connectivity between Baylor campus and downtown. If successful over the 18-month period, we plan to pursue Stage 2 of the SMART grant and extend the project area to all of McLennan County,” says Mukesh Kumar, who heads the Waco MPO.
Paul Hoekstra, TNL USA’s Mobility Expert, says “We’re proud to support the City of Waco in turning policies into action, implementing them in the coming months, and showing tangible results in traffic flow and traveler behavior within a year. That’s the kind of outcome we are seeking.”
About TNL
TNL is the US subsidiary of Technolution, a European market leader in advanced mobility technology. We help public agencies achieve their mobility goals by delivering proven, future-proof solutions that have been successfully deployed in leading cities across Europe and in the United States. From multimodal traffic management to data-driven transit optimization, our technology empowers cities to improve mobility performance, enhance safety, and create more reliable travel experiences for their communities. With a strong focus on collaboration and long-term value, TNL turns strategic mobility plans into actionable solutions and brings innovation to the forefront of government mobility initiatives.
