Alphabet’s Sidewalk Lab uses data and analytics to better analyse traffic in an effort to reduce congestion. More data means better transportation systems.

Sidewalk Labs, a subsidiary of Google’s parent company Alphabet, is hard at work on a new platform called Flow that will use data to create a better transportation system.

Sidewalk is partnering with the Department of Transportation’s Smart City Challenge to offer Flow to the winning city at no cost, after developing this system alongside all seven finalists.

Sidewalk CEO Dan Doctoroff said Flow will be a platform that ingests a wealth of data from a variety of sources –  sensors, cameras, third-party apps or even a city’s own data –  and uses analytics to let cities map assets against demands. All the data will be anonymized.

Flow could theoretically let cities watch parking situations unfold in real time. It could uncover sources of congestion or discover how underserved parts of a city could receive better transportation options without, again, adding to congestion.

Sidewalk will also distribute on-street kiosks as part of Flow. These kiosks will offer free Wi-Fi and transit information for folks that might not have a smartphone or a serious data plan. The goal is to help them make more informed decisions about transportation.