Strip-Based Simulation Model for Mixed Traffic Conditions

A simulation model is proposed for heterogeneous traffic characterized by the non-lane based movement and the presence of multiple types of vehicles. The key feature of this model is that it incorporates a strip based lateral movement. The lane is divided into strips and accordingly the vehicles occupy multiple strips depending on their type (width). The longitudinal model is similar to the traditional car-following model. But, the lateral movement is captured along the strips. The model also works behaviorally better as it allows the tactical overtaking maneuver by a driver (in anticipation of better traffic conditions) which requires multiple strip changes. The benefit gained for a strip change is computed using an improved benefit function instead of using computationally complex rules. Moreover, this model retains the concept of lane based movement when the strip width equals the traditional lane width and so can be used even for studying the traditional lane-based traffic streams. On the other hand, defining very small strip width, the model is able to work close to a continuous system. The model is implemented in a traditional lane-based simulator - SUMO, an open source traffic simulator. The model was calibrated and validated with data from an urban street in Mumbai, India and the results indicate better representation of the mixed traffic movement.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AHB45 Traffic Flow Theory and Characteristics
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Mathew, Tom V
  • Abdullah, Omair
  • Munigety, Caleb Ronald
  • Anirudha, Sahoo
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 91st Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2012-1-22 to 2012-1-26
• Date: 2012

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 9p
• Monograph Title: TRB 91st Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers DVD

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Data collection; Developing countries; Lateral placement; Passing; Traffic models; Traffic simulation; Vehicle mix
• Uncontrolled Terms: Open source software
• Geographic Terms: Mumbai (India)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; I70: Traffic and Transport; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01370291
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 12-2298
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: May 16 2012 4:09PM