Abstract:
This PhD study sets out to develop a new algorithm that will better estimate and adjust offset plans in an adaptive signal controller such as SCATS (Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System) and other proprietary UTMC software. Furthermore, the effect of this new optimiser will be studied in the context of its effect on route travel reliability and its influence on drivers' route choices during congested and non- congested periods. The study will investigate in detail how drivers' process and act on the visual cues when approaching signalised intersections, and how they apply this visual information to unplanned short-term decisions that result in lane changes, and ultimately route changes at the next intersection due to observing queue and/or traffic signal light changes or states. Anecdotal and empirical evidence support that drivers sometimes make these snap decisions on route choices on approach to a signal, contrary to following their habitual or pre-planned path. Gross route choices are significantly influenced by drivers' network familiarity and experience. This study hypothesis is set to determine optimising techniques that have a significant effect in manipulating driver behaviour using signal states and other visual cues. The study will utilise both simulated and live traffic conditions to study the effects.
