Opticom by Miovision · Priority Control Platform
Traffic Signal Preemption for Cities That Can’t Afford to Slow Down
Miovision Opticom is the configurable priority control platform for cities on the move. Get emergency responders and public transit through intersections faster, safer, and on schedule.
Cloud
Fastest to deploy. Connect vehicles to Opticom through existing integrations with no hardware changes at every intersection. Manage remotely, scale across jurisdictions, and monitor your network from anywhere. DOT-approved in many US states.
Fastest to DeployGPS
No line-of-sight required. Satellite positioning gives vehicles a reliable signal path around curves, in any weather, and across complex urban corridors. Upgrade to GPS or add GPS to your existing IR Opticom system for uninterrupted access with enhanced capabilities.
Modern StandardIR (Infrared)
The proven foundation. Opticom’s IR system uses emitters on vehicles and receivers on signal mast arms. A reliable, established technology that operates across thousands of intersections today and remains fully supported. Keep the equipment you already have.
Still SupportedThe Problem
Cities are under pressure. Essential services can’t afford the delay.
Traffic congestion is getting worse, and the agencies that keep cities running are feeling it most. Buses and streetcars fall behind schedule, eroding rider trust in the transit system. Emergency vehicles slow at busy intersections, compromising response times when every second counts.
The result is frustrated citizens, compromised public safety, and a city that struggles to move efficiently. Traffic signal priority and preemption solves this by giving the right vehicles a clear path at intersections so they arrive on time, safely, and on schedule.
For nearly 60 years, Opticom has been the trusted solution for cities that take priority seriously. Today, the platform supports emergency vehicle preemption and transit signal priority, configurable to your infrastructure and scalable at your pace.
Emergency vehicles face high-risk moments at every signalized intersection
Nearly half of all emergency vehicle accidents occur at intersections, even with lights and sirens active. EVP reduces the risk of intersection crashes by giving responders a green light before they arrive.
Transit delays erode ridership and public confidence
When buses and streetcars can’t stay on schedule, riders stop trusting the system. TSP reduces schedule variance, cuts fuel costs, and delivers a consistent, predictable transit experience.
Lengthy installations slow agencies down
Hardware upgrades can drag deployments out for months. Opticom’s cloud option and existing integrations get you live faster, without starting from scratch.
EVP vs. transit signal priority (TSP): Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP) temporarily modifies signal operation to prioritize emergency vehicles at intersections. TSP adjusts signal timing to help buses and light rail stay on schedule. Both run on Opticom’s shared technology and can operate on the same network without conflict. EVP always takes precedence when both are active.
How It Works
The same trusted process, across three communication technologies
Whether your city uses Cloud, GPS, or IR, Opticom follows the same core sequence: detect, request, clear, resume. The technology adapts to your infrastructure, not the other way around.
The priority vehicle sends a request
When an emergency vehicle activates lights and siren, the onboard Opticom unit sends a preemption request to equipped intersections via the installed communication technology: Cloud, GPS, or IR. Each mode is fully supported.
The signal controller responds
Each equipped intersection receives the request and sequences traffic lights to green on the correct approach, giving the priority vehicle a clear path. Cross-traffic is safely held, reducing the risk of intersection crashes for both crews and the public.
Normal operation resumes immediately
Once the vehicle clears the intersection, signals return to normal operation. Cross-traffic delay is minimized. Opticom gives priority vehicles the access they need while protecting normal traffic flow for everyone else.
Works anywhere your routes take you: Opticom communicates across your jurisdiction through Cloud, GPS, or IR, including through mutual aid corridors where neighboring agencies operate. No separate hardware agreements required.
Capabilities
Configurable priority control, built to deploy on your terms
Opticom supports a hybrid mix of Cloud, GPS, and IR, so you can build on what you have, add what you need, and scale at your own pace.
Signal Priority and Preemption
Opticom manages priority requests across your signalized network, giving emergency vehicles and transit fleets conditional green phases based on approach, vehicle type, and active dispatch status. Priority is managed relative to other vehicles and normal signal cycles.
Integrations That Get You Live Faster
Connect your fleet through integrations with Whelen, Samsara, HAAS Alert, Swiftly, Cradlepoint, and Semtech. Use tools already purchased and installed, with no lengthy installations required to get started.
Mutual Aid Coverage
Emergency vehicles don’t stop at city limits, and neither does Opticom. Mutual aid responses across neighboring jurisdictions work seamlessly using shared technology, with no hardware conflicts at existing intersections.
Relative Priority Management
When multiple vehicles approach the same intersection, Opticom manages priority requests based on vehicle type and signal state, ensuring the highest-priority vehicle receives the appropriate right of way without disrupting the broader network.
Proof of Performance
Real results from agencies that made the switch
San Rafael improves emergency response across 53 intersections
The City of San Rafael implemented Opticom EVP integrated with their existing Whelen Vehicle Safety Gateway devices in police and fire vehicles, delivering measurable improvements in both traffic safety and response times citywide.
Reduced intersection crash rates by up to 70% and a 25% improvement in response times. Opticom changed the way our crews approach every single call.
Director, City of Quincy (MA) Department of Traffic · Opticom EVP Customer
Flexible Deployment
Build on what you have. Add what you need. Scale at your pace.
Opticom supports a hybrid mix of deployment options. You don’t have to replace everything at once, and your existing investment is protected as you modernize.
Cloud-Connected Deployment
The fastest path to deployment. Connect vehicles to Opticom through existing integrations with no hardware changes required at every intersection. Scale across jurisdictions, manage remotely, and access analytics across your network. In many US states, Opticom is DOT-approved.
No rip-and-replace required. Opticom is the only priority platform that supports Cloud, GPS, and IR in a hybrid configuration, so you start where you are, not from scratch. Read how Bellevue is upgrading through a phased replacement strategy. View case study →
GPS-Based Priority Control
GPS-based priority leverages satellite positioning to deliver precise, reliable vehicle detection without requiring line-of-sight IR emitters. Compatible with existing intersection hardware in most jurisdictions, GPS deployment is ideal for agencies that need broad geographic coverage with proven technology.
No rip-and-replace required. Opticom is the only priority platform that supports Cloud, GPS, and IR in a hybrid configuration, so you start where you are, not from scratch. Read how Bellevue is upgrading through a phased replacement strategy. View case study →
IR Optical Preemption
Infrared optical preemption is the gold standard for emergency vehicle priority, with over 60 years of proven performance. Opticom IR uses line-of-sight communication between vehicle-mounted emitters and intersection detectors to deliver reliable, jam-resistant priority control.
No rip-and-replace required. Opticom is the only priority platform that supports Cloud, GPS, and IR in a hybrid configuration, so you start where you are, not from scratch. Read how Bellevue is upgrading through a phased replacement strategy. View case study →
Who Uses Opticom
Built for agencies that keep cities moving safely
From fire chiefs to transit directors, Opticom serves the decision-makers responsible for getting essential services where they need to be, on time and without incident.
Fire Chiefs & Deputy Chiefs
You need every vehicle to reach the scene as fast as possible while protecting your crew’s safety. Opticom gives fire vehicles a clearer path through the city, improves response times, and gives you the data to prove it’s working.
Police Chiefs & Operations
High-speed responses through dense urban corridors are high-risk moments. Opticom protects both your officers and the public by reducing the risk of intersection crashes before the patrol vehicle arrives.
EMS Directors & Ambulance Services
For cardiac arrest and stroke, every minute without intervention matters. Opticom reduces the risk of intersection crashes and improves response times, helping crews reach critical situations faster.
Transit Directors of ITS & Operations
Schedule adherence is your most visible KPI. When buses fall behind, ridership drops. Opticom TSP gives transit vehicles conditional signal priority at intersections, reducing delays and cutting fuel costs across your network.
Fleet Managers & Operations Leaders
You’re responsible for implementation and can’t afford lengthy installations that drag on for months. Opticom’s cloud option and existing integrations get your fleet live quickly, without starting from scratch.
Products
Two priority solutions.
One shared technology.
Whether your need is emergency response or transit reliability, Opticom has the solution. EVP and TSP run on the same underlying Opticom technology and infrastructure.
Opticom EVP
Give first responders a green light at intersections. Opticom EVP prioritizes fire vehicles, police, and ambulances so they cross safely and reach critical situations faster.
- Signal priority via Cloud, GPS, or IR
- Mutual aid coverage across neighboring jurisdictions
- Cross-jurisdiction preemption support
- Analytics
- Compatible with existing signal infrastructure
- Integrates with Whelen, HAAS Alert, Samsara
Opticom TSP
Consistent, safe signal priority for buses and light rail. Reduce schedule variance and improve the passenger experience without disrupting emergency vehicle priority.
- Conditional signal priority for buses and light rail
- Improves schedule adherence
- GTFS Realtime and GTFS Schedule integration
- Analytics on dwell time, drive time, and signal delays
- Reduces fuel consumption
- Leverages the same technology as Opticom EVP
Also available: EVP Cloud Deployment — Get Opticom running faster without hardware changes at every intersection. Ideal for agencies modernizing legacy IR systems or scaling quickly. Learn about Cloud Deployment →
Procurement
Flexible paths to fund and deploy Opticom
Pre-competed contract vehicles and grant funding give public safety and transit agencies a faster path to deployment.
Sourcewell (United States)
Pre-competed cooperative purchasing that eliminates the separate bid process, accelerating deployment timelines for agencies across the US.
View Contract
Canoe Procurement (Canada)
Canadian agencies access Opticom through Canoe, providing pre-competed access to public safety and transit technology across all provinces.
Canadian Agencies
Grant & Federal Funding
UASI, HSIP, and BSIP grants fund many Opticom deployments. Opticom is DOT-approved in many US states. Our grants specialists know the funding landscape for your region.
Learn about fleet priorityFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about traffic signal preemption
Questions public safety and transportation agencies ask when evaluating Opticom.
Traffic signal preemption temporarily modifies normal traffic light operation to give emergency vehicles a clear, safe path through intersections. Opticom supports preemption through Cloud, GPS, and IR communication modes, depending on your city’s infrastructure and DOT requirements. When an equipped vehicle activates, signals ahead move to green while cross-traffic is safely held, reducing response times and the risk of intersection crashes.
When a priority vehicle activates its lights and siren, the onboard Opticom unit transmits a preemption request to equipped intersections ahead via Cloud, GPS, or IR. Each intersection controller receives the request, sequences the appropriate approach to green, and safely holds cross-traffic. Once the vehicle clears, normal signal timing resumes automatically.
Opticom supports three communication modes: Cloud (software-based, no intersection hardware changes required), GPS (satellite-based vehicle positioning), and IR (infrared optical, the original Opticom technology with 60+ years of proven performance). All three can operate simultaneously in a hybrid configuration, meaning you can modernize incrementally without replacing your existing infrastructure.
No. Opticom is designed to work with your existing infrastructure. Cloud deployment requires no hardware changes at intersections. GPS and IR deployments integrate with most existing signal controllers. Opticom is the only priority platform that supports Cloud, GPS, and IR in a hybrid configuration, so you can upgrade at your own pace without a rip-and-replace approach.
Opticom is available through cooperative purchasing agreements in many US states, eliminating the need for a separate bid process and accelerating deployment timelines. In many states, Opticom is also DOT-approved, simplifying the approval process for public agencies. Contact our team to discuss the procurement options available in your jurisdiction.
Explore More
Extend your priority ecosystem
Opticom is part of a broader intelligent transportation platform. Most agencies expand to these solutions after deploying EVP or TSP.
V2X (Vehicle-to-Infrastructure)
Pre-competed cooperative purchasing that eliminates the separate bid process, accelerating deployment timelines for agencies across the US.
Explore V2X
Miovision One Platform
Manage Opticom EVP and TSP performance, signal analytics, and your entire signalized network from a single unified operations platform.
Explore Miovision One
Opticom for Snow Plows
Pre-competed cooperative purchasing that eliminates the separate bid process, accelerating deployment timelines for agencies across the US.
Learn about fleet priorityRequest a Demo
See Opticom working in your city
Talk to an Opticom specialist about your infrastructure, your routes, and the outcomes that matter most to your agency.
- Faster response times with proven EVP across Cloud, GPS, and IR
- Better schedule adherence for buses and light rail with TSP
- No rip-and-replace — deploy on what you already have