Development and Evaluation of a Green Wave Control Algorithm Based on Two-Way Bandwidth Maximization for Transit Signal Priority

Abstract

A good traffic signal design is one of the key solutions to many transportation problems. A two-way green wave control strategy for transit signal priority is reviewed and evaluated in this paper. Considering the traffic tidal phenomenon along the arterial roads during rush hours, a directional transit signal priority algorithm depend on the passenger flow has been developed for the coordination in signalized intersections. The algorithm provides signal timing plans for each intersection and the optimal bus speed along each section based on two-way bandwidth maximization. The strategy was designed to provide sectional control on transits, using electric signs and existing traffic control devices. In this paper, the strategys efficiency was evaluated using VISSIM micro-simulation along an arterial road which contains five intersections and serves more than ten bus lines. Actual data was used in the simulation. The simulation results show that the presented algorithm can effectively improve the operation efficiency of the transit system. This green wave control strategy reduced the number of stops by 34 % to 47 % and travel delay time by 27 % to 30% of the transit, while restricting the impact on vehicular traffic to the minimum. Moreover, the number of stops and travel delay time of vehicular traffic actually got a slight decrease. The algorithm shows promising results, and with minor upgrades, it can be applied to any type of intersection.