A Segmented Signal Progression Model for the Modern Streetcar System

The main purpose of this paper is to develop a segmented signal progression model for modern streetcar system. The methodology has the following features: (1) the control concept is based on the assumption of only one streetcar line operating along an arterial under a constant headway and no bandwidth demand for streetcar system signal progression; (2) the control unit is defined as a coordinated intersection group associated with several streetcar stops, and the control joints must be streetcar stops; (3) the objective function is built to ensure the two-way streetcar arrival times distributing within the available time of streetcar phase; (4) the available time of streetcar phase is determined by timing schemes, intersection structures, track locations, streetcar speeds and vehicular accelerations; (5) the streetcar running speed is constant separately whether upstream or downstream route; (6) the streetcar dwell time is pre-set according to historical data distribution or charging demand. The proposed methodology is experimented in Hexi New City Streetcar Project in Nanjing, China. The streetcar system operation and the progression impacts are contained in the experimental results, which affect transit and vehicular traffic. The proposed model presents promising outcomes in design of streetcar system segmented signal progression, in terms of ensuring high streetcar system efficiency and minimizing negative impacts on transit and vehicular traffic.