Signal Priority Control Methods of Modern Tram at Intersections

In order to solve the serious problem of traffic congestion, many cities in China are developing urban public transportation systems and focusing on modern trams with the advantages of workload, cost performance and transportation efficiency. Based on analysis of the status quo, problems of tram signal control and operation efficiency, this paper tries to study signal priority control methods for trams under the condition of mixed traffic at intersections, proposed priority control principles of signals based on information perception as well as interaction at intersections, and achieve connection between signal control for trams and the existing urban signal control for other motor vehicles. Through the example application of 17 signal intersections along Suzhou tram lines 1 and 78 around the tramline, the result shows that coordinated priority strategy increases tram operation efficiency and reduces waiting time at intersections. It will provide reference for the reforming of road traffic signal controller and road traffic signals, which are national mandatory standards in China.