Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/J19122/01
Title:	THE IMPROVEMENT OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL PERFORMANCE THROUGH BUSES ACTING AS PROBES
Principal Investigator:	Nelson, Professor JD
Other Investigators:	Bell, Professor M
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	Civil Engineering and Geosciences
Organisation:	Newcastle University
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 February 1993	Ends:	31 January 1995	Value (£):	85,255
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Transport Ops & Management
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
To demonstrate the value of traffic information collected by buses as probes for improving signal control. To extend the MISSION and INTERSIM microsimulation models for use in this research. To determine, by simulation, the required content and frequency of telegrams from buses and the effect of the Siemens and Scoot methods of signal control of data from buses acting as floating cars . To endeavour to establish, as a result of the simulation-based study, a subsequent field-trial with Siemens-Plessey.RESEARCH PROGRAMMEThe aim of this research is to examine the extent to which relevant traffic information collected by buses (or trams), acting as probes or floating cars , can improve traffic signal control to the benefit of the community-at-large.The information collected as part of an Automatic Vehicle Locationing (AVL) system should enable a bus to analyse its own trajectory in time and space. With reference to existing AVL systems, the project will determine the range of information required to be transmitted from buses in order to improve traffic signal performance.SIGSIM, a microscopic traffic simulator designed for the study of vehicle-responsive traffic signal control, will be modified for use in this research. Following extension of the model, experiments will be performed and conclusions drawn about (amongst other things) the required content and frequency of telegrams, the location of beacons and bus-stops in relation to the junctions, and the effect on the Siemens and SCOOT methods of signal- control of data from buses. The technology under research in this project would enable environmentally friendly transport policies (such as pedestrianisation or priority to public transport) to be pursued with less detriment to existing traffic, by improving the quality of control.
Key Findings
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Potential use in non-academic contexts
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Impacts
Description This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk Summary Date Materialised
Sectors submitted by the Researcher
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Project URL:
Further Information:
Organisation Website:	http://www.ncl.ac.uk