Lane System Research Articles

Coupling Coefficients Estimation of Wireless Power Transfer System via Magnetic Resonance Coupling Using Information From Either Side of the System

Wireless power transfer via magnetic resonance coupling method has opened a new possibility to the electric vehicle system. It allows the wireless charging system of moving vehicles, using charging lanes. However, although the efficiency of power transmission is relatively high, the efficiency still depends on displacement of coils. There have been several researches on methods to maintain power transmission at the highest efficiency. However, in such systems, the information on system parameter especially coupling coefficients is needed, and in the charging lane system, such information is unlikely to be obtainable without a communication system. Therefore, it has come to attention that parameter estimation is a crucial factor to implement a charging lane system. This paper presents derivations of equations for estimating coupling coefficients in several configurations of wireless power transfer system, using information from only one side, either the transmitting side or the receiving side, of the system. The presented equations are both applicable to the case of single receiving coil and are also generalized for the case of multiple receiving coils. Each equation is verified by both simulations and experiments. An experimental system of the coupling coefficient estimation system is constructed for estimation from the receiving side using a dc/dc converter.

Struggle for Survival: The Status Quo for Shanghai’s Bus Lane System

This paper provides the opportunity to present the performance evaluation results of Shanghai’s bus lane system in 2012. The evaluation results show that development of Shanghai’s bus lane system has fallen into a dilemma. The effectiveness of bus lanes was presenting a descending tendency. The average travel speed of bus lanes was only 14.6km/h, which was lower than the baseline of Shanghai’s transit metropolis construction targets. “Empty lane syndrome” existed in three newly implemented bus lanes. After 2010 Shanghai Expo, no new bus lane was built and the construction of bus lane came to a standstill. Lax enforcement resulted in high violation rates, which significantly reduced bus speed. Due to the increasing congestion in general purpose lanes and underutilization of bus lanes, attitudinal survey results revealed a negative public sentiment towards bus lanes. The grim situation urges a transition to sustainable development of bus lanes, namely, back to way to seek for efficiency and quality instead of blindly expansion.

Research on Slow Lane System Planning and Design: A Case Study of Guangzhou International Biological Island Greenway

This paper will conduct a case study of slow lane system of Guangzhou International Biological Island (GIBI) greenway network in three main phases: (1) describe building standard of slow system in Construction Guidelines of Regional Greenways in Guangdong Province; (2) analyze GIBI Greenway comprehensive plan and investigate the site to illustrate slow lane design; and (3) provide concrete improvement measure and suggestion to slow lane system. We concluded by discussing solutions of these problems, and suggested some proposals in design to meet the visitors’ requirement for the future construction of greenway. The GIBI Greenway has served as a model for riparian greenways elsewhere in Guangzhou. This research hopes to guide slow lane system’s programs and development standards to make bicycling in Guangzhou more safe, comfortable, convenient and enjoyable for all bicyclists.

OPTIMAL CONTROL WITH THE DYNAMIC CHANGE OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE ROAD NETWORK

Optimization of traffic on a large public road network is a complex task. Reversible direction lane theory is an interesting and special method within this subject. This can completely support the fluctuation or alteration of main congested directions existing in the traffic dynamics (time of day, seasonal, etc.) on the existing road surfaces. In such case, certain subsystems of the main network cease to exist, and subsystems working with new connections take their place. This type of routing therefore changes the structure of the system ‘in an optimal direction’, but many practical and safety questions arise. The authors have examined the modelling of a Reversible Lane System (RLS) created based on a simple part of a road network, which is segmented into elements. Functions of each network element and contacts between them cease operating in the course of such change while new contacts and new function elements are activated instead. The article presents the mathematical modelling of the problem. It points out the fundamental questions of the structure change and exemplifies the above using a simple example. The authors studied a general mathematical model describing the RLS. They examined the availability of the optimal control in a sample network depending on the traffic density, using a new principle, which responds to the dynamic change of the structure of the network graph. It can be shown, that the results from the model are in harmony with the real traffic values based on measurements made in road traffic systems working with RLS.

Self-Adaptive Tolling Strategy for Enhanced High-Occupancy Toll Lane Operations

In this paper, a self-adaptive tolling strategy (SATS) is developed for dynamically and systematically enhancing highoccupancy toll (HOT) lane system operations. This strategy enhances the overall system performance of both the HOT and general purpose (GP) lanes by better utilizing the HOT lane capacity while maintaining high speed and/or high travel-time reliability for HOT lane traffic when GP lanes are congested. To formulate SATS, the Lighthill-Whitham-Richards kinematic wave model is used to characterize HOT lane traffic flow evolution, and the unilateral Laplace transform is used to convert the system representation from the time domain to the frequency domain. Then, an adaptive tolling controller is designed with both the proportional and integral control components. Real-time traffic measurements, including lane occupancy, average speed, and flow rate, are utilized for toll rate calculations. Following a dual-phase control scheme, the appropriate flow rate for HOT lane utilization is computed, and the corresponding toll is estimated backward. To examine the effectiveness of the proposed tolling strategy, microscopic traffic simulation experiments are conducted using VISSIM. The experiment results demonstrate that the proposed tolling strategy performs reasonably well in improving the overall operations of HOT lane systems under various traffic conditions.

Incremental Accessibility Benefits and Choice of Subscriptions for High-Occupancy Toll Lanes

This paper presents the results of an investigation into the factors contributing to toll lane subscription choice by using data from the MnPASS high-occupancy toll lane system operated by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The paper estimates a binomial logit model that predicts, on the basis of aggregate characteristics of the surrounding area, the likelihood of a household having a subscription to MnPASS systems. Variables in this model include demographic factors as well as an estimate of the incremental accessibility benefit provided by the MnPASS system. This benefit is estimated with the use of detailed accessibility calculations and represents the degree to which a location's accessibility to jobs is improved if HOT lanes are available. The model achieves a ρ2value of .634, and analysis of the results suggests that incremental accessibility benefits play a statistically and practically significant role in determining how likely households are to hold a toll lane subscription.

Scheduling Combination Optimization Research for Bus Lane Line

Different scheduling forms can be adopted in bus lane system to meet passengers’ travel demand well and improve operational efficiency. Therefore, this paper researched the optimal headway and bus scheduling combination of a bus lane line. Bus scheduling combination is composed of a sequence of full-length, express bus and short-turn. We established a model to minimize passengers’ waiting cost and vehicles’ operation cost and to optimize headway and bus scheduling combination, under the constraint of the headway restriction for each stop, the minimum number of vehicle trips in one hour and the proportion of short-turn and express bus trips in total trips. The model was solved by improved genetic algorithm, and the optimal solution was obtained by repeating the operation of genetic algorithm L times. The results of numerical example show that the whole cost can be saved by 21.77% at most after optimization, which indicate the model and algorithm we presented are reasonable and practicable. DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/telkomnika.v12i1.3161

A Framework for Ongoing Performance Monitoring of Bus Lane System

In this paper, a comprehensive framework for ongoing performance monitoring of urban exclusive bus lane network is introduced. The scheduled, periodic monitoring is critical to ensure the bus lane system accomplishes a specific operational performance threshold under changing traffic conditions. Unlike ex-ante and ex-post evaluation of individual project, this paper focuses on the year-to-year changes in performance of city-wide exclusive bus lane system so that more concise performance measures and efficient data collection method are required. The Framework proposed an effective evaluation procedure with the constraint of data availability. It identifies explicit quantitative performance measures from the perspective of both travellers and traffic managers. Efficient data collection and integration methods are also addressed in the framework. Finally, an application of the framework was implemented to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the 161.8km bus lane network in Shanghai. The results of the application are presented.

Investigation of Lane Flow Distribution on Hard Shoulder Running Freeways

In response to an impending demand growth at an existing reactive managed lane system and to provide a timely and more effective temporary hard shoulder activation, this paper presents the development of short-term prediction models. A lane-oriented attribute—namely, the left-lane flow distribution ratio—is introduced to ameliorate the system by capturing the forthcoming stream dynamics and reconfiguring it to be proactive. To assess the impact on the network's performance of implementing a system for hard shoulder running, an exploratory analysis was performed on the basis of data acquired by seven radar sensors located every 500 m along a Swiss freeway section that was not affected by incoming or exiting traffic. A locally weighted regression was employed to provide more accurate insight into traffic behavior by comparing observations derived during the regular operation of the system and a period in which it was suspended, with respect to seasonality patterns. To describe the impending stream motion by examining different time–volume clusters (off-peak and peak hours), two prediction models were specified according to the time range. The preliminary results of the study for several prediction horizons demonstrate an acceptable prediction uncertainty. The hard shoulder activation prediction confirms the analysis of the findings of this research with regard to the impact on operations.

다차로 톨링시스템(SMART Tolling)의 용량추정 방법에 대한 연구

With the rapid deployment of hipass, the congestion is inevitable due to the operation of the hipass lane system. Recently, SMART Highway project have developed a multi-lane mainline tolling system, called SMART Tolling system. To analyze the effectiveness of the system in terms of capacity, this study tries to estimate the capacity and its improvement of multi-lane tolling system based on current hipass data. The methodology uses the saturation time headway. This follows three steps; 1) estimate the saturation time headway, using hipass data, and capacity. 2) estimate two factors (the first one is dividing the one side lane width and lateral clearance factor () into two side one, the second one is dividing the capacity of hipass lane operating a circuit breaker into the capacity of hipass lane not operating, the last one is increasing factor of lane width). 3) calculate the capacity of multi-lane mainline tolling system. The results of method produced 2172~2187 veh/hour as smart tolling capacities, respectively. Those are higher about 370 veh/hour than the values from existing literature reviews. Additionally, saturation time headways were identified as lower by 0.5 seconds/veh than existing headways based on hi-pass based one, which naturally implies the improvement in capacity. Some limitations and future research agenda have also been discussed.

서울시 버스전용차로구간의 버스사고 영향요인 분석 연구 (중앙전용차로 및 가로변전용차로 구분)

At present, Seoul City is putting the bus exclusive lane system into practice according to mass transit revitalization policy. Starting with the installation of roadside bus exclusive lane in the past, at present, even the road sections for central- lane bus exclusive lane system are on the increase. The purpose of this research is to analyze the factors giving impacts on bus accident on central bus exclusive lane and roadside bus exclusive lane. In case of the central bus exclusive lane, the 6 variables, such as the number of bus routes, number of access & entrance to central lanes patterns, whether the stop line of central lanes retreats or not, separated distance between the stop line of central lanes and crosswalks, traffic volume, and number of bus routes stopping at bus stops on reversible lanes, were found to have a significant influence on bus accidents. In case of roadside bus exclusive lane sections, the four variables such as the number of right-turn bus routes, whether to be chronic illegal parking & stopping, time for the walk signal, and forms of land use, etc. were found to have a significant influence on bus accident.

Pay to drive in my bus lane: A stated choice analysis for the proposed Lincoln Tunnel HOT lane into Manhattan

This paper presents the findings from a stated choice (SC) analysis conducted in the context of proposed changes to the lane system in use for the Lincoln Tunnel crossing into Manhattan. Currently, the approach road (NJ 495) to the Lincoln Tunnel has six lanes, with three in each direction. During the weekday morning peak period, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) operates a 2.5 miles exclusive bus lane (XBL) for traffic bound for Manhattan. The PANYNJ is considering creating, from existing lanes, a second XBL with the option for passenger vehicles to use it in return for an additional toll, in effect turning it into a high occupancy toll (HOT) lane. Such an approach to increase capacity and reduce congestion is unique nationally and this study looks at drivers' choices between using standard lanes, paying extra to drive on a HOT lane (the new XBL lane), switch to earlier or later departure times, or change their mode of travel. The analysis shows significant differences in the valuation of travel time savings between different population groups and also different departure time periods. The models also reveal a reluctance to change to other crossings, accept changes in departure time or switch to alternative modes.

Performance assessment of bus transport reform in Seoul

Seoul city authority implemented an innovative bus transport reform (BTR) in July 2004. This paper evaluates the performance of that reform. To this end, the paper includes a discussion of the features of the reform, an explanation of the fields and the contents of the reform, and an assessment of the performance of the reform formulated by comparing pertinent circumstances in place before and after its inception. The performance of eight fields: bus routes, bus fares, bus management, bus operation, a new smart card, a median bus lane system, vehicles and stops, and the promotion of the BTR, are measured, as are the performances of four groups influenced by the BTR. Those groups are bus passengers, bus operators, transport regulators, and members of the wider civil community. The results indicate a readily apparent decrease in traffic density in Seoul after the introduction of the reform, and it would appear that the increase in the number of public transport users bears an inverse relationship with the decrease in the transport share of private cars.

Measuring the Quality of Service for High Occupancy Toll Lanes Operations

High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lane systems have been proposed as one of the most applicable countermeasures against freeway congestion. Under HOT lane operational scheme, a Single Occupancy Vehicle (SOV) can pay to access HOT lanes in exchange of travel time saving or enhanced trip reliability when excess HOT lane capacity is available. Compared with regular freeway facilities, HOT lane systems demonstrate unique characteristics in facility capacity, driver behavior, travel pattern, demand modeling, and trip reliability. This study aims at conducting a comprehensive performance analysis on two representative HOT lane systems of State Route 167 in Washington and I-394 MnPass in Minnesota based on the field data collected from traffic sensors and transponder toll tags. Performance measurements are proposed to quantify the quality of service for HOT lane operations. Three critical issues are addressed in this study: 1) the speed-flow relationships in HOT lane systems, 2) quantified system-wide travel time savings and travel time reliability achieved, 3) SOVs tolling incentives. Based on the empirical analysis and evaluation results for the SR 167 and I-394 MnPass HOT lane systems, operational problems and challenges are also identified. Although the HOT lane system preserves favorable travel reliability, under-utilized HOT lane capacities were observed. The existing tolling strategies may be modified for better SOV allocation for HOT lane usages and further optimize the overall HOT system operations. The research findings greatly advance our understanding on HOT lane system operation mechanisms and are complementary to the freeway facility performance analysis provided by Highway Capacity Manual 2000.

Quantifying the Attractiveness of High-Occupancy Toll Lanes with Traffic Sensor Data under Various Traffic Conditions

Different states have used different tolling strategies for their high-occupancy-toll (HOT) lane facilities, and the performance of an HOT lane system has tied directly to the tolling strategy. However, comparing tolling strategies has been a difficult problem because of the lack of field data as well as missing pieces of information critical to the analysis of HOT lane operations. For example, how single-occupancy vehicles (SOVs) choose the type of lane to use under the effect of tolling and the flow friction between HOT and general purpose lanes remains unclear. This research attempts to analyze the heterogeneity among the SOV users of HOT lanes and to quantify the attractiveness of HOT lanes for SOV drivers. The study uses field data collected by point traffic sensors and transponder toll tags on Washington State Route 167 (SR-167). SOVs are categorized as infrequent users and frequent users, according to the frequency with which their transponder identification tags appear in the database. Their value of time distributions are studied separately at the microscopic level. A logit-like model is further developed to quantify the relationship between SOV demand and HOT lane use under different traffic phases. The analysis results show that travel patterns on HOT and general purpose lanes can be better interpreted and modeled for performance enhancement with motorists' willingness to pay HOT lane tolls considered.

The mathematical modeling of reversible lane system

We examine the modeling of reversible lane system configured on a road part network. The functions of the each network´s elements and contacts between its each element cease in the course of a change and new contacts and new function elements are activated instead of them. This opens the door to a new principled optimal control, which happens to the dynamic change of the structure of the network graph. In the model, as in reality, the geometry elements do not disappear naturally, but create a variable network as a result of their new function and their connection system. The article presents the mathematical modeling of the problem. Points out the fundamental questions of the structure change and exemplifies the above on a simple example.

Traffic dynamics of an on-ramp system with a cellular automaton model

This paper uses the cellular automaton model to study the dynamics of traffic flow around an on-ramp with an acceleration lane. It adopts a parameter, which can reflect different lane-changing behaviour, to represent the diversity of driving behaviour. The refined cellular automaton model is used to describe the lower acceleration rate of a vehicle. The phase diagram and the capacity of the on-ramp system are investigated. The simulation results show that in the single cell model, the capacity of the on-ramp system will stay at the highest flow of a one lane system when the driver is moderate and careful; it will be reduced when the driver is aggressive. In the refined cellular automaton model, the capacity is always reduced even when the driver is careful. It proposes that the capacity drop of the on-ramp system is caused by aggressive lane-changing behaviour and lower acceleration rate.

Simulation-Based Investigation on High-Occupancy Toll Lane Operations for Washington State Route 167

High-occupancy toll (HOT) lane operation has been implemented in several urban areas in the United States and is regarded as one of the most effective management strategies against freeway congestion. By allowing single occupancy vehicles (SOVs) to pay a toll for using high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, the excess capacities of HOV lanes can be used and the overall traffic mobility of the roadway section can be improved. However, research on HOT lane operations is still in its early stage. A series of theoretical and practical issues on optimizing HOT lane system performance particularly require immediate attention for better practice. Simulation-based investigation on HOT lane operations provides a cost-effective, risk-free, and prospective means of exploring and addressing these issues. A microscopic traffic simulation tool, VISSIM, is exploited in this study. By overcoming functional constraints with the VISSIM built-in modules and taking advantage of its component object model interface, we develop a new external module to enable HOT lane simulation. This HOT lane module provides additional flexibility to satisfy any specific demands from particular researchers and practitioners. Based on this external module, HOT lane operations can be simulated and evaluated as demonstrated using the Washington State Route (SR) 167 HOT Lane Pilot Project. The SR-167 simulation results not only quantitatively evaluate the overall system performance but also identify potential problems. Significantly different operational performance was illustrated between HOV lane and HOT lane systems using the developed simulation models. The simulation platform used in this study has the potential to be a cost-effective evaluation tool for HOT lane operations.

A Feedback-Based Dynamic Tolling Algorithm for High-Occupancy Toll Lane Operations

Dramatically increasing travel demands and insufficient traffic facilities have induced severe traffic congestion. High-occupancy toll (HOT) lane operation has been proposed as one of the most applicable and acceptable countermeasures against freeway congestion. With balanced pricing and vehicle occupancy constraints, HOT lane operations can realize the optimal traffic allocation and enhance overall infrastructure efficiency. However, few previous studies have concentrated on optimal tolling strategies. Two major problems with inferior tolling strategies degrade HOT lane system performance. First, an undersensitive tolling algorithm is incapable of handling the hysteretic properties of traffic systems and may cause severe response delays. Second, oversensitive characteristics of imperfect tolling strategies may cause unfavorable flow fluctuations in HOT and general-purpose lanes that disrupt traffic operations. A new feedback-based tolling algorithm to optimize HOT lane operations addresses these problems. To decompose the calculation complexity, a second-order control scheme is used in this algorithm. On the basis of traffic speed conditions and toll changing patterns, the optimal flow ratio for HOT lane use is calculated by using feedback control theory. The appropriate toll rate is then estimated backward by using the discrete route choice model. This algorithm is simple, effective, and easy to implement. VISSIM-based simulation tests were conducted to examine its practicality and effectiveness. Test results show that the proposed tolling algorithm performed reasonably well in optimizing overall traffic operations of the HOT lane system under various traffic conditions.

Ex-Post Evaluation of Effects due to Introducing Central Bus Lane System

This paper examines an application of central-lane bus system, Nagoya Key-Route-Bus, on purpose of revealing its medium and long term effects on transport. Analytical results confirmed: 1) the less ease of being exposed by other vehicles on the road, the higher the operation speed and the more the punctuality 2) good number of bus users independent of population distribution along bus route 3) no decrease in total passenger-km along corridor despite reduction in the number of lanes designated for automobile 4) decrease in total trip time, considering longer access time to bus stops and shorter in-vehicle time with longer intervals.