A real time hybrid controller for regulating bus operations and reducing stops at signals

We propose a hybrid controller which consists of
holding and a Driver Advisory System (DAS). It combines the
objectives of seeking the regularization of operation and the
reduction of stop and go actions at signalized intersections.
A simple headway based holding criterion is applied at stops
to define the time needed to maintain even spaced headways
between buses and additionally a speed recommendation is
given to traverse during green indication at the downstream
signalized intersection. The controller is tested using simulation
for a bus line of the city of Luxembourg, Luxembourg and
compared to a benchmark scenario, the single application of
bus holding, two advisory systems and different levels of transit
signal priority. Results show that there are additional benefits
compared to traditional holding in terms of regularity while
similar performance to strong transit signal priority is achieved
in terms of time spent at traffic lights.