Baidu launches big data open platform to ease traffic

China's internet giant Baidu Inc announced the official launch of an open platform with big data cloud on Thursday, dedicated to building intelligent transportation cloud ecology including aviation, railway and highway.

The Mobility & Information Cloud, a joint effort between Baidu Map and the Ministry of Transport, will offer integrated multimodal mobility information and related application services for governments, the public, internet companies and other organizations in need for the data.

With the open platform, registered users now have access to transportation data offered by 15 provinces and cities among China, covering Sichuan province, Henan province, Beijing, Suzhou and other regions. Besides, they also can view data shared by internet firms and research institutes.

Li Zhitang, general manager at Baidu Map Open Platform department, said during the World Internet Conference in Wuzhen that the company plans to implement technological cooperation with more local governments and organizations.

"Innovation based on the open platform will relieve the traffic jam and improve people's mobility experiences. We call on the community to join the platform."

"I really take a rosy view of the future development of the platform. It will offer a win-win cooperation mode for governments and internet firms."

According to a report from Roland Berger, last year commuters in 10 Chinese major cities typically spend up to 85 hours a year in traffic jams. For Beijing, the number hit 100 hours a year in 2015.

The report also showed that along with the rapid growth in income and living standard, the need for mobility has become more personalized.

Li added that big data cloud would be the starting point to deal with the pain points in transportation, thanks to the efforts of both governments and engaged companies.

"With the big data, governments will have a comprehensive understanding of public transportation and then make adjustments accordingly. For Internet Plus innovators, they can develop more application based on big data to cater to consumers' demands."

At the same day, Baidu also signed a strategic cooperation agreement with China Southern Airline, in a move to incorporate aviation into its intelligent transportation plan.