Federal Research in Urban Traffic Control

In May 1968, the Federal Highway Administration initiated a major emphasis research project titled Urban Traffic Control System (UTCS). This was later expanded to include a Bus Priority System (BPS). The ultimate objective of the UTCS/BPS is to provide the nation's urban centers with completely tested examples of computer programs incorporating advanced operational control technique and strategies which will result in a marked improvement in traffic flow. It follows that the main products of this research will be general advancement in urban traffic control technology and development of operational software in particular. It is anticipated that this effort will also provide added momentum to the modernization of traffic equipment in our cities with resulting benefits to the traveling public and to the industry.