Rule-based Diagnostics of Signal Control Programs

Optimizing the performance of mass transit systems is a prioritized target when managing mobility in urban areas. Improving transit system operations can be achieved by implementing active transit-signal priority systems at signalized junctions. In order to maintain a high level of performance, frequent updates of signal-timing programs are required. In a large urban street network, the amount of required updates is large, and considerable resources are required to update the programs. The objective of this research was to develop a rule-based methodology for diagnostics and evaluation of signal-control programs incorporating transit-signal priority, by identifying the most common causes interfering with the public transport priority and using them for providing guidelines for improving the signal control programs. The evaluation process is based on an automatic rule-based analysis of data gathered by the signal controller in the field. Validation of the methodology is demonstrated by collecting and analyzing traffic data from a micro-simulation model of a signalized junction with transit priority. The methodology proved useful in supporting the operational evaluation of signal-timing programs incorporating transit-signal priority.