Traffic optimization
Encyclopedia
Need for traffic optimization
Texas Transportation InstituteTexas Transportation Institute
The Texas Transportation Institute in College Station, Texas is the largest transportation research agency in the United States. Created in 1950, primarily in response to the needs of the Texas Highway Department , TTI has since broadened its focus to address all modes of transportation–highway,...
estimates travel delays of 220,000,000 hours all over the U.S. and between 17–55 hours of delay per person (in 2005) relating to congestion on the streets. Traffic device optimization hence becomes a significant aspect of operations.
Techniques
Several techniques exist to reduce delay of traffic. Generally the algorithms attempt to reduce delays (user time), stops, emissions, or some other measure of effectiveness. Many optimization software are geared towards pretimed coordinated systems.Real time traffic control
Several systems are capable of monitoring the traffic arrivals and adjusting timings based on the detected inputs. Traffic Detectors may range from Metal Detectors to Detectors that use Image Detection. Metal detectors are the most popular in use. Image detection devices exhibit numerous problems including degradation during bad weather and lighting.Traffic actuated signal systems use detectors to adjust timing for:
- Only the main street - semi-actuated system
- Both main and cross streets - fully actuated system.
Criticism
It has been suggested that the benefits of traffic optimization have never been scientifically justified. It inherently favors motorized traffic over alternate modes such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users and may promote more auto use. It is suggested that an alternate approach could involve traffic calmingTraffic calming
Traffic calming is intended to slow or reduce motor-vehicle traffic in order to improve the living conditions for residents as well as to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Urban planners and traffic engineers have many strategies for traffic calming...
, and a conceptual focus on the movement of people and goods rather than vehicles.