Microscopic simulation for modeling exclusive stopping space for motorcycles under non-lane based mixed traffic conditions

Abstract

Mixed traffic flow with high composition of motorcycles is a common situation in many urban areas in South Asian countries like India. It consists of vehicles having diverse static and dynamic characteristics. This type of traffic is characterized by lack of queue and lane disciplines. Motorcycles, due to their smaller size, have greater freedom to manoeuver in a mixed traffic stream. They tend to accumulate near the stop line by weaving through gaps between other vehicles during the red phase. The provision of Exclusive Stopping Space for Motorcycles (ESSM) near the stop line is believed to be beneficial in discharging the motorcycles faster, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the intersection. A microscopic traffic simulation model for a signalized intersection developed specifically for mixed traffic was used in this study. The model was calibrated and tested wit h dat a from Chennai city, India. This model was used to simulate traffic flow at an intersection assuming the presence of ESSM. The efficacy of ESSM was evaluated by varying the vehicular composition, traffic volume and ESSM lengths. The findings show that for certain composition, volume levels and lengths of ESSM, delays to vehicles decrease, thereby indicating its benefits. 2015 European Transport\Trasporti Europei.