Cross-cutting Issues

Transit signal priority systems have been in place for several years.  Traffic simulation models are frequently applied to evaluate the benefits of such treatments prior to implementation.  These benefits can take several forms: (1) Reduced travel time for transit customers; (2) Improved schedule adherence; and (3) Reduced operating costs for the transit provider.  This paper describes an application of microsimulation to evaluate, and to quantify the benefits of transit signal priority for a range of control policies and traffic demands.  Results of a case study and
recommendations for applying these results are presented.

Polytechnic University

KLD Associates, Inc.

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Presented at the ITS America Annual Conference and Exposition, April 26 - 28, 2004 San Antonio, Texas

One of the goals of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration’s IntelliDriveSM initiative is for the public and private organizations that collect, process, and generate weather products to utilize vehicle sensor data to improve weather and road condition products. It is likely that some users will not be able to contend with the complexities associated with vehicle data, such as data quality, representativeness, and format. A solution for addressing this issue is to utilize a Vehicle Data Translator (VDT) to preprocess weather- related vehicle data before they are distributed to data subscribers. This paper will describe the VDT and how vehicle data sets are being processed by the prototype VDT to generate derived weather and road condition information.

National Center for Atmospheric Research

USDOT/Federal Highway Administration

USDOT/Research and Innovative Technology Administration

Noblis, Inc.

One of the most promising areas within Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) is the confluence of technology within the transportation and weather communities. This mutual benefit in direction is manifested in part by the objectives of the Clarus Initiative. The Clarus Initiative sponsored by the US DOT began in 2004 with the definition of the Concept of Operations for the Clarus System and forward thinking on its uses. Fast forward to 2009 where the Clarus System is thriving with Environmental Sensor System (ESS) data from thirty-six states and provinces and counting. One of the goals of the program is the consolidation of Clarus-enabled information to be provided to both the public and private sectors. This information contains quality ESS data from which the two sectors can enhance road weather forecasting and further energize additional services. This paper will use Systems Engineering (SE) techniques to discuss the experiences and approach of one of the two research teams in developing these services for the Clarus Demonstration project. In addition, the use of Computer Aided Systems Engineering (CASE) tools will provide a fundamental basis for the linkage between the SE steps. A diagram of the SE process from an US DOT view is show in Figure 1.

Iteris, Inc.

Meridian Environmental Technology, Inc.

Over the past twenty years or more government agencies have come to realize the major
impact weather has on our road system, and thus, they have increased their resources and
tools to prevent or avoid major delays and congestion caused by weather. There are two
major issues facing agencies as they deploy sensors and systems; the need to purchase a
system that has the greatest return on investment and their current deployments have in many cases been done for reasons that will not be beneficial in the long run. The proposed solution is to implement a system that has multiple uses, which could solve the problems of increasing return on investment and improving deployment coverage. This paper will highlight several specific examples of this solution at work and suggest other areas for integration
consideration.

Quixote Transportation Technologies

The development and application of a computerized and comprehensive freight
transportation data management system has the potential to improve freight operations in
shipping, transport, and law enforcement. The strategy would include data management
for a shipment from initial consignment preparation to the final destination. The data
mining capabilities could recognize weak operation points and identify where
improvements could be made. Advancements in computerized hardware have increased
use of electronic freight management components such as tracking devices and container
lock mechanisms. A secure computerized structure connecting these components could
enhance freight security and improve efficiency in processing intermodal shipments as
they reach each point in the trip chain. Many large international shipping companies
currently have the ability to track shipments but may not have integrated law enforcement
support for cargo theft should the need arise. The proposed framework is envisioned to
fill “missing links” for any cargo shipment regardless of size, method, or destination.
These links could include government security services, intermodal connectivity, and
data management at each processing point as needed. This could assist small carriers with
reduced costs by providing services they may otherwise not have access to and the large
companies would benefit from an overall improved system with better efficiency
throughout the industry. The assimilation of a freight theft reporting program and freight
data transportation management program with a complete suite of services has the
potential for lessening freight transport processing costs and improved law enforcement
response to cargo theft through better data management and system operations.

Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise

Center for Advanced Transportation Systems Simulation

Paper submitted for publication and presentation at the ITS America’s 2009 Annual
Meeting and Exposition