Congestion Scrutiny
BACKGROUND TO THE USE OF INTELLIGENT TRANSPORT SYSTEMS (ITS)
Author: Sanjay Patel, HertfordshireCounty Council - Hertfordshire Highways
1.What are Intelligent Transport Systems?
These are a range of technologies (CCTV, ANPR, Wireless links, digital maps, digital displays, detectors, GPRS etc) deployed on street to deliver outputs such as passenger ticketing systems across multiple operators, real time passenger information, traffic and travel information, car park guidance, traditional and advanced traffic signal control and operation.
ITS allows traditional and new technologies to work better together and more efficiently or with less cost. ITS also allows Local authorities to deliver better connected and improved operational transport networks to most users and across all main modes (walking, cycling, motor vehicle, bus & rail).
- How can it help to reduce congestion?
ITS can provide can provide additional road capacity without the time and costs associated with upgrading existing infrastructure. Through Urban Traffic Management and Control (UTMC) existing routes can proactively manage traffic flows more efficiently through multiple junctions and routes. UTMC helps to reduce journey times during peak hours.
The introduction of Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) systems have shown that they can increase Bus patronage as they allow users to view bus departure and arrival information in advance of their journey allowing better planning and for their journey. Providing better quality bus operations and services increases modal shift away from the private car. RTPI can be delivered alongside integrated ticketing services by making it easier to pay for the journey ahead and reduce the time taken to pay for individual journeys by each passenger. This reduces the journey time of the bus service.
3.What ITS Systems isHertfordshireCounty Council delivering?
3.1HCC will be delivering a new Urban Traffic Control System.Urban Traffic Control (UTC) is used to monitor and coordinate traffic signal operation, normally through a centrally located computer. UTC systems are a specialist form of traffic management which manages traffic lights over a wide area in order to optimise traffic flows on the road network.
The UTC system is an essential tool in achieving Hertfordshire's Local Transport Plan (LTP) 'Transport Objectives' and in the delivery of the broader Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Strategy. The current UTC system owned by Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) has been identified by the Council as life expired and does not have the functionality to meet future aspirations and LTP objectives. As such, the UTC system has been programmed for renewal and funding has been approved to enable procurement.
Figure 1 Hertfordshire UTC.
3.2AVL/Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI)
Technology - The system being procured uses satellites and mobile communications to track buses and impart up-to-date information about services to passengers. The satellite and communications part of the system is called Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL). Information about the location of buses is then used to better control punctuality and to inform passengers of the actual arrival time of a bus (real-time passenger information, RTPI).
The main components of the system are:
•A core AVL system with highly functional service delivery management tools,
•On bus equipment (including an on-board computer to manage the schedule data and communications),
•Depot computer systems to upload relevant schedule data,
•Information displays and other dissemination including the internet, kiosks, and mobile devices,
•Bus priority equipment, and
•Communications equipment including a voice capable private mobile radio.
INIT Gmbh has been appointed the preferred supplier through a tendered process. HCC will be working with INIT and the bus operators to deliver a fully functional system by the end of 2011.
Figure 2 - A schematic of the AVL/RTPI system.
3.3UTMC – common database.
A UTMC CDB provides comprehensive functionality supporting traffic managers in their duties under the Traffic Management Act. A UTMC CDB enables integration with manydisparate Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and allows for the control and monitoringof, and data collection from ITS equipment including:
• Network monitoring equipment;
• Public transport information systems;
• Urban Traffic Control (UTC);
• Variable Message Signs (VMS); and
• Car Park Management and Guidance systems.
Hertfordshire County Council are committed to the deployment of a UTMC CDB in advance of the implementation of the wider ITS strategy, to provide a UTMC frameworkinto which existing and future ITS tools can be integrated to produce a powerfultransport system management tool for Hertfordshire.
There are many benefits can be realised from the implementation of a
UTMC CDB, some are listed below:
• Enables centralised coordination and management of a variety of traffic systems and sources of travel information;
• Enables analysis and storage of relevant data from all connected subsystems.
The wide range of information stored makes it easier to implement and monitor the performance of different applications;
• Enables efficient dissemination of transport information to transport users
(via websites, on-street kiosks, VMS or mobile devices);
• Reduces the amount of time and effort operators have to spend entering data and locating and interpreting information;
• Enables strategy selection in response to information collected;
• Enable LA’s to manage the road network better through provision of efficient, real–time, integrated traffic management and control;
• Recognised as the tool for meeting the network management demands of the Traffic Management Act; and
• Enables close co-ordination with adjoining Local Authorities and the
Highways Agency to facilitate smooth journeys across urban/inter-urban boundaries.
Figure 3 HCC UTMC Common database & Figure 4 UTMC system Architecture.
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The UTMC common database will be operational with core functions by the end of 2011. Watford is likely to be the first urban area to be in full UTMC operation followed by St Albans.
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