Type
Position Papers
Author
M Bernath, J Counihan and R Van Olst
Organization
University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa)
Published in
2008
Submitted by
Peter Midgley, gTKP
Related theme(s)
Urban Mobility
Region
Africa (AFR)
Country
South Africa

An intelligent transport system for controlling traffic lights on bus-rapid transit (BRT) routes in Johannesburg

An intelligent traffic light control algorithm that works off GPS and other data inputs from buses, which form a part of the planned (Bus Rapid Transit) BRT network in the city of Johannesburg, is created for a single four-way intersection. This algorithm minimises the time buses wait at intersections, advantaging buses at any intersection which lies on the bus route. A graphical simulator is developed to compare the bus priority algorithm to the normal case, with only synchronised lights and no oversight control. The system is designed to be modular, to allow further extension of the concept and to implement different algorithms and test cases. The results of this proof-of-concept are presented and compared to a single real-life case study. Recommendations for further work are also
made.