Design of LRT Signal Priority to Improve Arterial Traffic Mobility

Abstract

AbstractTransit signal priority (TSP) is a cost-effective strategy for improving the movement of public transit vehicles, such as Light Rail Transit (LRT), buses, and streetcars, through controlled intersections. The application of TSP strategies improves the reliability and quality of service for transit vehicles with less disruption to normal traffic. The City of Edmonton in Alberta, Canada has recently extended its LRT system, which mainly runs through at-grade intersections. Edmonton’s LRT is currently operating under pre-emption, which causes significant delays to other traffic. The problem is especially pronounced during peak hours when the LRT headway is decreased to 5 min in both directions. This has led to dissatisfaction among motorists using the roadway along the LRT corridor. This paper analyzes different TSP strategies for improving the performance of the LRT corridor. A standard microsimulation tool with a ring barrier controller emulator was used to implement the strategies at a major inter...