The use of real-time traffic information in pre-trip planning

This paper describes two demonstration Value Added Service Provider (VASP) applications for travel information: the Journey Time Planner (JTP) and the Traffic Status Forecaster (TSF). The JTP is a web-based application designed at TRL for the Highways Agency to provide a demonstration service giving strategic route advice to motorists. Information is supplied based on current and predicted traffic conditions on the trunk road network. The predicted quickest route and the shortest route by distance are provided by the JTP. This allows journey planning decisions to be made on the most appropriate route for the journey. At the core of the JTP is a CONTRAM model of all the English motorways and major A-roads. CONTRAM is capable of modelling traffic on a road network given prescribed demand profiles from each origin to every destination. The use of CONTRAM output in the JTP and obtaining near real-time information from the Travel information Highway are described. The TSF algorithms make use either of a time series method or of a historical pattern analysis method which uses past data to construct templates for each day. A comparison of the flow predictions provided is given. Currently the TSF service is limited in that it does not curremtly display information for complete journeys. The JTP is capable of providing such information but its predictions are less reliable.

• Authors:
  • LUNT, G
  • WHITE, J
  • STRONG, T
  • FREEMAN, M
  • WELLS, I
  • PROCTOR, P
• Publication Date: 2004

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 6p
• Serial:
  • TRL STAFF PAPERS
  • Publisher: TRL

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Driver information systems; Forecasting; Intelligent transportation systems; Planning; Route guidance; Simulation; Traffic flow
• ITRD Terms: 8763: Driver information; 132: Forecast; 8735: Intelligent transport system; 143: Planning; 8771: Route guidance; 9103: Simulation; 671: Traffic flow
• Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01013719
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Dec 22 2005 11:18AM