TRGMSM: A Simulation Model for Signalled Intersections with At-Grade LRT

Abstract

More and more cities world-wide are accepting light rail transit (LRT) system as one of the major measures to solve urban congestion problem because of the relatively low capital costs afforded by at-grade operation and friendly to environment. A key design issue for LRT at-grade operation is the interaction between LRT and road vehicles at intersections This paper describes a microscopic simulation model, TRGMSM (road Traffic and Rail vehicles General Microscopic Simulation Model), which is developed as a design tool to investigate such interactions.The model simulates road vehicle movements, including buses and fixed lane/route transit vehicles, and light rail transit (LRT) The junction simulated can be three or four arms and each arm can have a maximum of four lanes not including the light rail tracks which is assumed to be segregated in the central reserve. Traffic signals may be either fixed time or vehicle actuated, and various types of priority can be modelled. Some results of the application of the model are presented and illustrate the way in which the follow ing factors may influence the at-grade operation of LRT and road vehicles.(1)LRT frequencies,(2)Variations of Traffic demands,(3)Location of the LRT Stations,(4)Signal and LRT priority alternatives.The results are described in term of delay to priority (i.e. Light Rail) and non pnonty vehicles