TRAFBUS - Modelling and Analysis of Traffic and Impact of Dedicated Bus Lanes on Strovolos Avenue
Duration: 30 months (2006-2008)
Start:28/12/2006
Project Website: http://www.netrl.cs.ucy.ac.cy/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=47&Itemid=11
Principal Investigator: Ανδρέας Πιτσιλλίδης
Main Funding Source: European Commission
Total Cost:65,256.61
Effective transportation planning and the use of Intelligent Transportation Systems might be the only solution to traffic congestion, which is the cause of a variety of social economic and environmental problems. Traffic congestion is increasing world-wide as a result of increased motorization, urbanization, population growth and changes in population density. Congestion reduces utilization of the transportation infrastructure and increases travel time, fuel consumption, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
The aim of the TRAFBUS Project is to examine the use of simulation modelling in order to formulate strategies for improving the traffic flow of the current and future layouts of a major traffic network, in Nicosia the capital of Cyprus. Specifically the whole traffic network of Strovolos Avenue with its intersections and side roads is studied in detail. The proposed model examines Signal Control Strategies and Bus Rapid Transit methods in a microscopic simulated environment. The rational is to attract more people to use the public transportation network and therefore reduce congestion and the negative effects on human safety as well as reduce pollution of the natural environment.
In particular, simulation tests are carried out for a variety of signal control strategies in relation to a number of scenarios regarding plans to include dedicated bus lanes in Strovolos Avenue, which is a major arterial of Nicosia. Various Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems scenarios are simulated, tested and evaluated. Further, safety issues that arise due to dedicated bus lanes and BRT systems are analysed and optimization algorithms for bus motion and signal timing are incorporated.
The results from the simulation experiments are evaluated in cooperation with the Ministry of Communications and the Transportation Planning Section of the Public Works Department. Based on the evaluation, optimum solutions are derived, with respect to certain measures of effectiveness including safety and efficiency of the traffic network as well as the impact on the natural environment.