About Us

Jim Forbes

Jim Forbes is a Traffic Systems Consultant who is highly recognized as a valuable resource and partner for municipal agencies, regional transportation agencies, transit authorities, traffic engineering consultants, and traffic signal manufacturers.

With an extensive knowledge and hands-on background of transportation products and traffic systems software applications, Jim is able to quickly assess and solve complex traffic system problems and present solutions to those problems in a way that both technical and non-technical people can understand and implement for success. He understands all aspects of traffic signal systems: design and build of traffic systems products, operation of individual intersections, system installation and set-up, signal communication, central computer systems, and intersection coordination.

Jim combines this knowledge with his engineering skills and the common sense of how people and nature impact traffic in order to find solutions that take a theoretical concept and make it physically work per the plan and any required specifications. And with over 35 years of working with clients and listening to project needs, Jim is able to not only ascertain the current situation, but to anticipate any future needs as well. Diligent and thorough, Jim enjoys the constant challenge of working to service municipalities and solve their traffic management needs.

This unique combination of theoretical knowledge, practical design/build experience, and unyielding commitment has earned Jim both a U.S. Patent (for the design of a computer display which allows viewing of traffic signal coordination flow patterns) and the “Award for Outstanding Customer Service” (from the Maryland State Hwy Admin, Office of Traffic, and Safety).

Expertise

Jim Forbes has an extensive knowledge of the full range of transportation products and traffic systems software applications. His experience and expertise includes:

Transportation Systems
Central Management Systems
Traffic Control Systems (Signal Systems)
Traffic Signal Timing Plans
Networking Infrastructure
Signal Communication & Synchronization
Video Vehicle Detection & CCTV Systems
Controller Cabinet Interface Development (HW/SW)
Intersection Synchronization
Traffic Cabinets
Theoretical Applications, including detections between cars, pedestrians & emergency vehicles, and beyond
Railroad to Intersection Interfaces and Timing
HAWK Designs and Operations

Process

Jim Forbes is known for providing outstanding customer service in the transportation industry because he approaches every project with the best interest of the client and the safety of motorists and pedestrians in mind. And he takes the time to do it right.

Ensuring proper configuration and optimal traffic movement that considers traffic flow, pedestrian flow, queue length, preemption (railroad, emergency vehicle, & light-rail transportation), transit signal priority, and communication between neighboring intersections involves many various systems and products from a range of professionals and suppliers. Jim’s knowledge base links engineers and products to agencies and computer systems so that projects are a coordinated effort that come together to work harmoniously.

Whether a project involves a single intersection or a large and busy corridor with multiple municipalities, Jim works hard to coordinate with all parties involved and serves as both facilitator and teacher to effectively build an environment of teamwork and provide knowledge and training that will be needed for the future. As Jim says, “I don’t just give answers to a problem, I seek to provide my clients with the ‘know-how’ so they can fully understand and address potential issues in the future”.

Achievements & Awards

Award for Outstanding Customer Service:

Maryland State Hwy Admin, Office of Traffic and Safety

United States Patent:
U.S. Patent – US 4814765 A

Method and apparatus for displaying the status of a system of traffic signals

Issued to James B. Forbes and Robert F. DeRoche for the design of a computer display which allows viewing of traffic signal coordination flow patterns.