Multi-phase bus signal priority strategy at isolated intersections

To satisfy the multiple priority requests from buses that arrive at different phases within a small time window, a multi-phase bus signal priority （MPBSP） strategy is developed. The proximity principle is brought forward to settle the conflicts among multiple priority requests and arrange the optimal priority sequence. To avoid over saturation of the intersection, a conditional MPBSP algorithm that adopts early green and green extension strategies is developed to give priority to the bus with the highest priority level when green time that each phase runs makes its saturation degree not larger than 0. 95. Finally, the algorithm is tested in the VISSIM environment and compared with the normal signal timing algorithm. Sensitive analysis of the number of priority phases, bus demand, and volume to capacity ratios are conducted to quantify their impacts on the benefits of the MPBSP. Results show that the MPBSP strategy can effectively reduce bus delays, and with the increase in the number of priority phases, the reduction range of bus delays also increases.

A flexible model-free tram signal priority method with a large coordination scope in China

Tram systems with the advantages of reliable operation,comfort,low emissions and moderate capacity have been quite popular in recent years in China.However,there are still problems with tram signal control(e.g.evaluation model,signal control strategies).In-depth analysis on existing operational issues of trams,calculation of two evaluation indexes,as well as a flexible model-free tram signal priority method were developed to deal with tram problems.Empirical research in Songjiang District,Shanghai shows that:(1)The function of the green extension strategy is limited with c.a.10%tram priority improvement,while the optimal one can reach to 85%higher on average.(2)A scheme with a benefit for trams and with no negative impact,and even benefits,for general traffic can be realized.(3)The optimal solution is beneficial for intersections with a maximum c.a.70%amelioration with delay decreasing from 132.7 s/vehicle to 40.89 s/vehicle,or from 104.77 s/capita to 22.31 s/capita.This paper has great significance for the signal optimization and safety of tram systems,even the development of a comprehensive transportation system for a city.

Optimization of Adaptive Transit Signal Priority Using Parallel Genetic Algorithm

Optimization of adaptive traffic signal timing is one of the most complex problems in traffic control systems. This paper presents an adaptive transit signal priority （TSP） strategy that applies the parallel genetic algorithm （PGA） to optimize adaptive traffic signal control in the presence of TSP. The method can optimize the phase plan, cycle length, and green splits at isolated intersections with consideration for the performance of both the transit and the general vehicles. A VISSIM （VISual SIMulation） simulation testbed was developed to evaluate the performance of the proposed PGA-based adaptive traffic signal control with TSP. The simulation results show that the PGA-based optimizer for adaptive TSP outperformed the fully actuated NEMA control in all test cases. The results also show that the PGA-based optimizer can produce TSP timing plans that benefit the transit vehicles while minimizing the impact of TSP on the general vehicles.

Bus Priority Control for Dynamic Exclusive Bus Lane

One problem with the existing dynamic exclusive bus lane strategies is that bus signal priority strategies with multi-phase priority request at intersections are not adequately considered.The principle of bus signal priority level was designed based on the isolated multi-phase structure principle consideration of the bus signal priority,and a new priority approach for the dynamic exclusive bus lane was proposed.Two types of priority strategies,green extension and red truncation,were proposed for current phase and next phase buses,respectively.The control parameters including minimum green time,green extension time,maximum green time and bus arrival time are calculated.The case studies for this paper were carried out using four consecutive intersections of Huaide Middle Road in Changzhou City.The signal control scheme was designed using the conventional,exclusive bus lane method,the dynamic exclusive bus lane without signal priority method,and the proposed approach,respectively.The authors used the VISSIM simulation platform to evaluate the efficiency of each approach.Results showed that the method of approach can significantly decrease delays caused by social and conventional buses and make up for the negative impact social buses have on the bus rapid transit(BRT)operation,which allows the method to complement the dynamic,exclusive bus lane design.