The impact of dwell time variability on transit signal priority performance

Abstract

Transit signal priority (TSP) is an operational control strategy that provides preferential treatments for transit vehicles at signalized intersections. Many transit agencies are currently considering the implementation of priority systems providing buses with preferential treatments at signalized intersections. While studies have demonstrated potential bus delay reductions, none has attempted to identify the problems posed by variable dwell times at bus stops. This study identifies the impacts of variable dwell times on the efficiency of transit signal priority systems. Results also show that, in general, variable dwell times negatively affect the TSP performance. However, and contrary to expectations, a number of scenarios with variable dwell times resulted in lower average bus delays than scenarios with fixed dwell times. These results are attributed to changes in progression and bus arrival patterns under variable dwell times resulting in an increasing number of buses arriving close enough to benefit from preferential treatments.