The importance of simulation techniques in ITS research and analysis

Abstract

Traffic congestion has historically been regarded as a problem confined to major metropolitan areas. Over the years, the traffic problems that existed in densely developed urban areas began creeping into the suburbs as the work force migrated away from the traditional center city work pattern. Modem business operates at a feverish pace and is more mobile in nature, automobile technology advances have allowed more people to drive, and the commuting public has caused traffic congestion problems to appear even in small towns. Simply adding pavement to mitigate the traffic problems is neither adequate nor feasible. The Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) initiative was invoked by congress in 1991 to advance our traffic control systems by fostering development of Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS). These technologies are designed to help move the motoring public more efficiently over the existing transportation system. Computer simulation has proved to be a vital adjunct to traditional traffic engineering analysis methods in hlly understanding the dynamics of traffic movement and control operations,. These simulation tools are critical in the development and evaluation of these new ideas, algorithms, and traffic control systems. This paper presents three case studies illustrating the importance and positive impacts of