Intelligent Transport Systems provide possibilities for the use of technology to improve transport systems. The field varies from traffic light control to incident management, from enforcement to passenger information and driver assistance to intelligent speed limit enforcement. Existing literature indicates that specific ITS measures can improve the level of service of public transport and of the information provision to users. Regarding the service level, it has been established that microscopic simulation models are the most appropriate tool to explore the benefits. The largest benefits, with regards to improving the service level of public transport in the three African cities, are expected from public transport prioritisation. This can be done via the adaptation of traffic signals, the provision of special lanes, and other similar interventions.
This project will review all the potential ITS systems that can improve public transport service levels in ACET’s case cities. These include fleet management, navigation systems, electronic ticketing, CCTV cameras, high-speed ground transportation, automatic vehicle identification, Intelligent Speed Adaptation, distance warning, public transport priority, and real-time information as main systems identified. These systems will all be reviewed with regards to potential benefits. In some cases, this will be based on the literature review; i.e. for fleet management and navigation, in which case only potential benefits will be discussed. For others a microscopic simulation model will be used to model potential improvements that the introduction of ITS measures could have on the public transport systems.
Project leader: A/Prof Marianne Vanderschuren
Centre for Transport Studies, University of Cape Town
