Green Wave System

 

Eskişehir, Turkey  

About the city. Eskişehir is a mid‑sized city in northwestern Turkey, known for its universities, cultural life, and growing sustainable initiatives. It operates a modern tram network, EsTram, which as of 2025 includes nine lines and 77 stations, carrying nearly 40 million riders annually. The city has also committed to renewable energy and climate action, joining the EU’s Net Zero Cities initiative in June 2023.

Goal

The aim of the project is to ease city traffic congestion and make transportation safer.

Implementation period. The project was launched in 2025.

Fact

• Eskişehir has broad environmental and smart-city strategies, including solar energy installations and participation in net‑zero initiatives.
• Eskişehir ranks 4th in terms of traffic congestion levels among Turkish cities, behind Istanbul, İzmir, and Ankara, highlighting major urban mobility challenges even in a mid-sized city context.
• According to user‑contributed traffic data, Eskişehir residents endure an average one‑way commute of approximately 35.6 minutes covering nearly 17.4 km, with car journeys alone averaging almost 42 minutes for about 37.5 km. The city’s traffic index is measured at 141.4, and a high inefficiency index of 256.8 reveals substantial delays and congestion in daily transport.

 

Solutions

To improve traffic efficiency and safety, the Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Transportation Department implemented the Green Wave program on the Eskişehir–Kütahya highway. The system coordinates traffic signals across five intersections in the Ömür area, covering a 7,250-meter two-way corridor, allowing drivers who adhere to designated speed limits (50 km/h and 70 km/h) to pass through without stopping at red lights.

The core 3,625-meter main route begins in the Orhangazi neighbourhood and extends through Sümer, Sazova, and Ertuğrulgazi neighbourhoods. The initiative enhances both main and connecting roads, vehicles turning from side street,such as Karacaşehir, Sümer, or Sazova can proceed smoothly if they maintain the correct speed.

The system is expected to reduce stop‑and‑go traffic, resulting in lower fuel consumption, reduced travel time, less noise pollution, and fewer carbon emissions. According to Traffic Branch Director Ali Bircan Süzen, the municipality plans to expand the program citywide.

Traffic Branch Chief Özcan Sarı confirmed that drivers already experience more comfortable commutes because of smoother transitions at side junctions and connecting streets. He also announced the next phase of expansion.

The technology infrastructure behind the Green Wave system includes centralised traffic signal coordination, operated from the municipal traffic control centre. It is designed for real-time adaptability, allowing adjustments during events, accidents, or closures. The system is integrated with electronic enforcement for speed and signal violations, digital information boards, and dynamic alerts for hazardous road conditions.

 

Team

Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality, The Metropolitan Municipality Transportation Department

 

Timeline

• The Green Wave system officially launched on July 30, 2025.
• The first implementation has begun at five signalised intersections on the Eskişehir-Kütahya highway.
• Launched on the Eskişehir-Kütahya highway, the program has activated a two-way system totalling 7,250 meters at five signalised intersections in the Ömür area.
• Officials reported that the system will later expand along a roughly 10 km new corridor linking Aşağısöğütönü, Batıkent, and Çamlıca neighbourhoods along 100. Yıl Boulevard and Ulusal Egemenlik Boulevard. 

 

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