If you're a city planner, traffic engineer, or transportation consultant, you know that accurate traffic data is the foundation of every smart infrastructure decision. But with dozens of regional firms claiming precision and speed, how do you pick the right
Why Traffic Data Collection Matters More Than Ever
Traffic data collection is the backbone of modern transportation planning. From intersection turning movement counts to speed and volume studies, cities and engineers rely on accurate, timely data to design safer roads, reduce congestion, and secure funding for infrastructure projects. The niche is dominated by small-to-mid-size regional firms that compete on accuracy, turnaround time, and personalized service — not on flashy marketing. Most companies offer custom quotes because every project is unique in scope, duration, and complexity. Whether you need a single intersection count or a multi-site corridor study, choosing the right partner can make or break your project's success.
How I Ranked These Firms
I evaluated each company based on five key criteria: accuracy of data collection methods (video, radar, manual counts), geographic coverage and DOT pre-qualifications, range of services offered (from basic counts to advanced AI analytics), years of experience and client reputation, and pricing transparency or ease of obtaining a quote. All firms in this list are legitimate, active businesses with verifiable websites and service offerings.
Here's a quick comparison of the top five traffic data collection firms to help you narrow down your options.
| Provider | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Marr Traffic | Large-scale DOT projects and multimodal studies across the Southeast | Custom quotes based on project scope. Request via website. |
| Tri-State Traffic Data, Inc. | Mid-Atlantic and New England projects requiring a wide range of data types | Custom quotes based on project scope. Known for competitive cost. |
| Traffic Survey Services, Inc. (TSS) | Local and regional traffic studies in the Carolinas and neighboring states | Free quote available by phone (919-637-6975) or online form. |
| TrafficSense Data Solutions | Cities and planners seeking a reliable, growing partner for traffic data insights | Custom quotes based on project scope. Contact via website. |
| Innovary Technologies | Projects that benefit from a free trial to verify data quality before purchase | Free test site available. Custom quotes via email (info@innovarytech.com). |
Detailed Reviews of the Top 5 Traffic Data Collection Companies
#1 Marr Traffic
A screenshot of the Marr Traffic website.
Marr Traffic dominates the Southeast with proprietary MarrCam video systems and pre-qualifications from multiple state DOTs including TDOT, NCDOT, and FDOT. They offer turning movement counts, speed/volume/classification, multimodal data, drone studies, and even near-miss AI analysis. With a Small Business certification from FDOT and over 75 years of combined leadership experience, they bring both scale and agility. Their service area spans ten states from Texas to Virginia, making them a go-to for regional projects. If you need DOT-compliant data with cutting-edge video analytics, Marr Traffic is hard to beat.
Comparison Table:
- Pro: Extensive DOT pre-qualifications and proprietary video technology for high accuracy
- Con: Limited to the Southeast US; not ideal for projects outside that region
- Pricing: Custom quotes based on project scope. Request via website.
#2 Tri-State Traffic Data, Inc.
A screenshot of the Tri-State Traffic Data website.
Founded in 1995, Tri-State Traffic Data has been a reliable partner for over 250 private engineering firms and government agencies across the Mid-Atlantic and New England. Their management team brings more than 150 years of combined experience, and they offer a full suite of services: video turning movement counts, ATR counts, speed/volume studies, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi tracking, drone studies, noise studies, and even CO2 analysis. They serve 14 states from Pennsylvania to Maine and as far south as North Carolina. Known for competitive pricing and consistent quality, Tri-State is a solid choice for complex, multi-site studies.
Comparison Table:
- Pro: Deep experience with a broad service area and diverse data collection methods
- Con: Less presence in the Southeast and West Coast; turnaround may vary by season
- Pricing: Custom quotes based on project scope. Known for competitive cost.
#3 Traffic Survey Services, Inc. (TSS)
A screenshot of the Traffic Survey Services website.
Based in Raleigh, NC, Traffic Survey Services is a HUB-certified small business serving North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. They specialize in intersection turning movement counts, vehicle occupancy studies, pedestrian counts, gap/delay studies, and vehicle classification using Jamar Count boards and PETRA reporting. As a local independent firm, they offer personalized attention and quick response times for smaller municipalities and engineering firms. If you need a trusted regional partner with a focus on traditional count methods, TSS delivers reliable results.
Comparison Table:
- Pro: HUB-certified small business with strong local knowledge and personalized service
- Con: Limited geographic coverage and fewer advanced technology options (e.g., no drone or AI analytics)
- Pricing: Free quote available by phone (919-637-6975) or online form.
#4 TrafficSense Data Solutions
A screenshot of the TrafficSense Data Solutions website.
TrafficSense Data Solutions positions itself as a growing, experienced provider of precise traffic survey and analysis services for cities, planners, and engineers. Their focus is on delivering actionable insights through smart infrastructure solutions, emphasizing data accuracy and clear reporting. While they may not have the decades-long track record of some competitors, they are building a reputation for reliability and customer-centric service. For municipalities and consulting firms looking for a fresh partner that prioritizes data-driven decision-making, TrafficSense is worth a close look.
Comparison Table:
- Pro: Emphasis on actionable insights and smart infrastructure; responsive service
- Con: Less established than competitors; limited public information on geographic reach and DOT pre-qualifications
- Pricing: Custom quotes based on project scope. Contact via website.
#5 Innovary Technologies
A screenshot of the Innovary Technologies website.
Innovary Technologies is a small independent firm with about 10 years in business, serving clients in the US, UK, Australia, and the Middle East. They offer classified turning movement counts, roundabout counts, intersection counts, pedestrian/bicycle counts, and queue length surveys. A standout feature is their free test/sample video processing, which lets you evaluate data quality before committing. While their global reach is unusual for this niche, their US presence is less extensive than regional specialists. If you want to test-drive a vendor's accuracy with zero risk, Innovary's free trial is a compelling offer.
Comparison Table:
- Pro: Free sample processing to demonstrate accuracy; international experience
- Con: Smaller firm with limited US-specific DOT relationships and narrower service scope
- Pricing: Free test site available. Custom quotes via email (info@innovarytech.com).
How to Choose the Right Traffic Data Partner for Your Project
Start by defining your project's geographic scope. If you're working with a specific state DOT, look for firms that are pre-qualified with that agency — it saves time and ensures compliance. Next, consider the types of data you need: basic turning counts may be fine for a local intersection, but a multimodal corridor study might require video analytics, drone surveys, or Bluetooth tracking. Don't overlook turnaround time; some firms can deliver reports in days, others in weeks. Finally, request quotes from at least three providers and ask for sample reports to compare clarity and detail. A good partner will be transparent about their methods and happy to answer questions.
Automating Your Traffic Data Workflow
Many modern traffic data firms now offer automated reporting through cloud-based dashboards, reducing manual data entry and speeding up delivery. For example, Marr Traffic's proprietary MarrCam systems can process video counts with AI, while Innovary Technologies provides free test processing to validate accuracy. When evaluating a vendor, ask if they offer API access or CSV exports that integrate with your existing planning software. Automating the data collection and reporting pipeline can save your team hours of work and reduce human error.
Final Thoughts: Data-Driven Decisions Start With the Right Partner
Traffic data collection may not be glamorous, but it's one of the most critical investments you can make for your infrastructure projects. Whether you choose a regional powerhouse like Marr Traffic or a growing firm like TrafficSense Data Solutions, the key is to match the provider's strengths to your project's specific needs. Prioritize accuracy, local expertise, and clear communication — and don't be afraid to ask for sample data before signing a contract. With the right partner, you'll get the insights you need to build smarter, safer communities.