A simulation-based investigation of a dynamic Advanced Traveler Information System

• Published in: Proceedings of the 2009 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC) pp. 1124 - 1135
• Main Authors: Hoe Kyoung Kim, Hunter, M.P., Fujimoto, R.M.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 01-12-2009
• Subjects: Communications technology; Computational modeling; Costs; Environmental economics; Information systems; Intelligent transportation systems; Traffic control; Urban areas; Vehicle dynamics; Wireless sensor networks
• ISBN: 9781424457700; 142445770X
• ISSN: 0891-7736; 1558-4305
• DOI: 10.1109/WSC.2009.5429311

Traffic congestion is a source of significant economic and social costs in urban areas. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are a promising means to help alleviate congestion by utilizing advanced sensing, computing, and communication technologies. This paper investigates a basic ITS framework - Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) - using wireless vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-roadside communication and assuming an ideal communication environment. Utilizing an off-the-shelf microscopic simulation model this paper explores both a centralized (CA) and decentralized (DCA) ATIS architecture. Results of this study indicate that an ATIS using wireless communication can save travel time given varying combinations of system characteristics: traffic flow, communication radio range, and penetration ratio. Challenges are also noted in relying solely on instrumented vehicle data in an ATIS implementation.