A quantitative measure of congestion in Stellenbosch using probe data
Date
2014-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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Abstract
ENGLISH 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.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar
Description
Please cite as follows:
Ter Huurne, D. & Andersen, J. 2014. A quantitative measure of congestion in Stellenbosch using probe data, in Proceedings of the rst International Conference on the use of Mobile Informations and Communication Technology (ICT) in Africa UMICTA 2014, 9-10 December 2014, STIAS Conference Centre, Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University, Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, South Africa, ISBN: 978-0-7972-1533-7.
The conference is available at http://mtn.sun.ac.za/conference2014/
See also the record http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/95703
Ter Huurne, D. & Andersen, J. 2014. A quantitative measure of congestion in Stellenbosch using probe data, in Proceedings of the rst International Conference on the use of Mobile Informations and Communication Technology (ICT) in Africa UMICTA 2014, 9-10 December 2014, STIAS Conference Centre, Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University, Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, South Africa, ISBN: 978-0-7972-1533-7.
The conference is available at http://mtn.sun.ac.za/conference2014/
See also the record http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/95703
Keywords
Traffic monitoring -- Stellenbosch, Traffic congestion, Traffic flow -- Measurement