Signalized intersection delay analysis using transit signal priority (TSP) and dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) system for bus rapid transit (BRT)

Transit signal priority (TSP) at signalized intersections is one of the important strategies to change the traffic signal schedule according to the priority of public transit. In this research, a TSP management strategy at signalized intersections using the dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) technology system and the Aimsun simulation model was evaluated as an effective method to decrease the delay of bus rapid transit (BRT) at intersections. The BRT line in this study was the Tehranpars Intersection-Azadi Square in Tehran metropolis, Iran. This method was implemented in the morning and evening peak hours in a section of this line between Valiasr Intersection and Enghelab Square, with five intersections and three stations. The results showed that the application of this method reduced the measures of the effectiveness of delay, stop time, speed, and travel time for the morning peak hours by 18.82, 42.18, 3.81, and 3.67%, and for the evening peak hours by 22.16, 47.93, 3.91, and 3.97%, respectively. Moreover, a comparison was made between the models by examining the calibrated model of Tehran and the non-calibrated model with default parameters to determine the extent to which the management strategy of prioritizing public transport at signalized intersections can be related to drivers' behavior. The results showed that in the non-calibrated network, all outputs were in better condition. Moreover, significant improvements were obtained most of the time by prioritizing, indicating that the need for culturalization is more important in the Tehran metropolis.