Conference Proceedings (Civil Engineering)
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Browsing Conference Proceedings (Civil Engineering) by browse.metadata.type "Conference Paper"
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- ItemAuditory intelligent speed adaptation for long–distance informal public transport in South Africa(IEEE, 2016-04) Ebot Eno Akpa, N. A.; Booysen, Marthinus J.; Sinclair, M.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Informal transport refers to the collective passenger road transport industry with little or no regulatory control of its operations, usually characterised by unplanned and ad-hoc service delivery. The notoriously dangerous informal transport industry in South Africa – dominated by minibus taxis – has been shown to disregard the posted speed limit on long-distance trips. Not only do they frequently exceed the differentiated speed limit imposed on minibus taxis, but also the speed limit imposed on normal passenger vehicles. This paper evaluates the impact of an auditory Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) intervention, applied at various intensity levels, on the speeding behaviour of this seemingly intransigent mode of transport. The experiment evaluates the behaviour on the R61 between Beaufort West and Aberdeen. We evaluate the speeding distributions, speeding frequencies, speed percentiles, mean speeds, and the statistical relevance of key metrics. We find that the auditory intervention has a clear impact on speeding behaviour, both when applied at an audible level that can be drowned out by a radio, and even greater impact at a loud level. The impact on speeding is significant, with speeding frequency (both time and distance) reducing by over 20 percentage points.
- ItemPerformance measurement trends in the implementation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) within the South African transportation environment(2014-12) Struwig, C. B.; Andersen, S. J.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Over the past decade, the South African transportation environment has actively started to adapt a technology-driven setting. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) applications such as Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) and Advanced Public Transportation Systems (APTS) have since been promoted and developed. These ITS deployments have brought about new areas for consideration. If the sustainability of the newly developed systems is to be ensured, sufficient attention needs to be given to the managing of their inherent technology-related aspects. These aspects are currently, to varying degrees, being measured and monitored. However, little thought is given to ITS performance management in the conceptualization- and planning phase of ITS projects. As a result, the monitoring is mostly done by a modular- and possibly inconsistent performance measurement approach. Moreover, in the absence of a set of widely accepted performance measures and transferable methodologies, it is very difficult for the local industry to objectively assess the effects of their specific applications with regard to the implementation of policies and technologies. The aim of this paper is thus to define a common evaluation framework for the monitoring and managing of the newly developed systems and to present guidelines as to its application. The aforementioned is accomplished by elucidating the need for managing performance measurement and by providing a review on the current ITS measurement trends and movements in the South African transportation environment. Ultimately, a major evolution in the nation’s transportation environment - in the form of an ITS performance management regime - may be stimulated.
- ItemA quantitative measure of congestion in Stellenbosch using probe data(2014-12) Ter Huurne, Dominique; Andersen, JohannENGLISH ABSTRACT: This paper aims to quantify and evaluate congestion in Stellenbosch, a historic university town located approximately 50 kilometres east of Cape Town, South Africa, using probe data. It is known that Stellenbosch experiences traffic congestion, but the scientific extent of this congestion has not been fully determined, as the present volume counts alone are not a sufficient form of assessment. Its residents complain about congestion suffered in town and express frustration. This, along with the fourth annual TomTom South African Traffic Index publication, which revealed that Cape Town (with a congestion index of 27%) is the most congested city in South Africa, instigated this study. Literature bares that the level of service concept (LOS) defined in the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) has been widely used as a basis for congestion measures, although travel-time-based measures are suggested to satisfy the need for congestion information best. Travel time is well understood by both the general public and professional community, but the collection of travel time, travel speed, travel rate and travel delay data is historically deemed somewhat more complex and onerous than traffic volume counting procedures, and together with limited financial resources has restrained its application. The methodology applied in this study comprises the utilisation of TomTom Traffic Stats Portal that contains historic travel-time-based data from TomTom in-vehicle navigation systems and supporting devices. The platform and associated configuration is state-of-the-art and brings new light to travel-time-based congestion measures. The data was statistically analysed over various date and time periods, and standard congestion index concepts were applied. Congestion measures were considered along the major arterials leading into and out of Stellenbosch, as well as on part of its central road network. This paper shows that Stellenbosch evidently faces increased levels of congestion. Travel times on the inbound arterials are on the rise, and in-town traffic is becoming unsustainable.