Bus Priority Option Tests in Microsimulation with SCATS

With the latest development in traffic demand management, the demand for traffic and transportation analysis based on microsimulation is increasing. This study investigates an application of traffic microsimulation with adaptive signals for bus priority option testing. The application was undertaken by baseplus Ltd for Christchurch City Council (CCC) and entitled "Bus Priority Corridor Model of Papanui Road". The purpose of the bus priority option tests was to estimate the effect and benefit of the option designs for bus priority during peak traffic periods. The study was undertaken to measure the improved travel times for public transport as a result of the proposed bus lanes in congested traffic conditions. Various option designs were proposed and were modelled, analysed and evaluated using microsimulation. The results were studied and compared on model stability evaluation, turn counts and journey times, time and distance (TD) analysis for buses and vehicles, bus reliability, etc. The impacts of the proposals are predominantly realised at signalised intersections, hence adoptive signal control has been incorporated into the model to ensure confidence in the modelling results and outcomes.