Abstract:
Real-time speed and truck data are important inputs for modern freeway traffic control and management systems. However, these data are not directly measurable by single-loop detectors. Although dual-loop detectors provide speeds and classified vehicle volumes, there are too few of them on our current freeway systems to meet the practical needs of advanced traffic management systems. This makes it extremely desirable to develop appropriate algorithms to calculate speed and truck volume from single-loop outputs or from video data. To obtain quality estimates of traffic speed and truck volume data, several algorithms were developed and implemented in this study. These algorithms are (1) a speed estimation algorithm based on the region growing mechanism and single-loop measurements; (2) a set of computer –vision-based algorithms for extracting background images from a video sequence, detecting the presence of vehicles, identifying and removing shadows, and calculating pixel-based vehicle lengths for classification; and (3) a speed estimation algorithm that uses paired video and single-loop sensor inputs. These algorithms were implemented in three distinct computer applications. Field-collected video and loop detector data were used to test the algorithms. Our test results indicated that quality speed and truck volume data can be estimated with the proposed algorithms by using single-loop data, video data, or both video and single-loop data. The Video-based Vehicle Detection and Classification (VVDC) system, based on the proposed video image processing algorithms, provides a cost-effective solution for automatic traffic data collection with surveillance video cameras. For locations with both video and single-loop sensors, speed estimates can be improved by combining video data with single-loop data.

Authors:
Wang,Y., Nihan,N. L., Avery,R. P., Zhang,G.

Keywords:
Trucks, data collection, computer vision, loop detectors, vehicle classification, video image processing, speed

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Abstract:
The capability of measuring vehicle lengths makes dual-loop detectors a potential real-time truck data source for freight movement studies. However, a previous study found that the dual-loop detection system of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) was not consistently reporting accurate truck volumes because of its sensitivity setting problems. Specifically, the sensitivity problems found were: (1) sensitivity discrepancies between the two single loops that form a dual-loop detector; and (2) unsuitable sensitivity level settings for both single loops even when discrepancies weren’t significant. Both problems can result in erroneous vehicle length estimates and, consequently, inaccurate truck counts. As an extension of the previous study, this research project developed an algorithm for the identification and correction of such loop sensitivity problems. The algorithm identifies dual-loop sensitivity problems using individual vehicle information extracted from high-resolution loop event data and corrects dual-loop sensitivities through a two-step procedure: 1) remove the sensitivity discrepancy between the two single loops and 2) adjust their sensitivities to the appropriate level. The algorithm was also implemented in a computer application named the Advanced Loop Event Data Analyzer (ALEDA) system for convenient usage. Elimination of dual-loop sensitivity problems enhances the reliability of the dual-loop detection system and improves the quality of truck volume data. The findings and products from this study will help WSDOT obtain more accurate speed and truck volume data from the existing dual-loop detectors.

Authors:
Nihan,N. L., Wang,Y., Cheevarunothai,P.

Keywords:
Loop detectors, speed, data collection, trucks, sensitivity

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Abstract:
This report documents the development of data collection methodologies that can be used to cost effectively measure truck movements along specific roadway corridors selected by transportation agencies in Washington State. The intent of this study was to design and test methodologies that could be used to measure the performance of freight mobility roadway improvement projects against benchmarks, or selected standards, that would be used both as part of the project selection process and to report on speed and volume improvements that resulted from completed freight mobility projects. One technology tested was Commercial Vehicle Information System and Networks (CVISN) electronic truck transponders, which are mounted on the windshields of approximately 20,000 trucks in Washington. By using software to link the transponder reads from sites anywhere in the state, the transponder-equipped trucks could become a travel-time probe fleet. The second technology tested involved global positioning systems (GPS) placed in volunteer trucks to collect specific truck movement data at 5-second intervals. With GPS data it was possible to understand when and where the monitored trucks experienced congestion and to generate useful performance statistics. The study found that both data collection technologies could be useful; however, the key to both technologies is whether enough instrumented vehicles pass over the roadways for which data are required. This basic condition affects whether the technologies will be effective at collecting the data required for any given benchmark project. The report also recommends the traffic data that should be collected for a benchmark program and the potential costs of using either data collection technology.

Authors:
McCormack,E. D., Hallenbeck,M. E.

Keywords:
agencies, commercial vehicle, condition, congestion, construction, corridors, cost, costs, data, data collection, design, development, freight, freight mobility, freight movement reliability, global positioning, global positioning systems, GPS, improvement, methodology, mobility, networks, performance, positioning, probe program, project, research, roadway, software, speed, statistics, Study, System, systems, technology, traffic, traffic data, transportation, travel time, truck, truck monitoring, trucks, volume, Washington, Washington state

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/607.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/600/607.1.htm

Abstract:
This report documents the development of data collection methodologies that can be used to cost effectively measure truck movements along specific roadway corridors selected by the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB.) The intent of this study was to design and test methodologies that could be used to measure the performance of freight mobility roadway improvement projects against benchmarks, or selected standards, which would be used both as part of the project selection process and to report on speed and volume improvements that resulted from completed FMSIB projects. One technology tested was Commercial Vehicle Information System and Networks (CVISN) electronic truck transponders, which are mounted on the windshields of approximately 20,000 trucks traveling in Washington. These transponders are used at weigh stations across the state to improve the efficiency of truck regulatory compliance checks. By using software to link the transponder reads from sites anywhere in the state, the transponder-equipped trucks could become a travel time probe fleet. The second technology tested involved global positioning systems (GPS) placed in volunteer trucks recruited for this project to collect specific truck movement data at 5-second intervals. With GPS data it was possible to understand when and where the monitored trucks experienced congestion. By aggregating this information over time, it was possible to generate performance statistics related to the reliability of truck trips, and even examine changes in route choice for trips between high volume origin/destination pairs. The study found that both data collection technologies could be useful; however, the key to both technologies is whether enough instrumented vehicles pass over the roadways for which data are required. This basic condition significantly affects whether the transponder and GPS technologies will be effective at collecting the data required for any given FMSIB benchmark project . The report also recommends the traffic data that should be collected for a benchmark program and the potential costs of using either data collection technology.

Authors:
McCormack,E. D., Hallenbeck,M. E.

Keywords:
freight movement reliability, truck monitoring, development, data, data collection, methodology, cost, truck, roadway, corridors, freight, freight mobility, mobility, design, performance, speed, volume, commercial vehicle, networks, trucks, Washington, software, travel time, probe, global positioning, global positioning systems, positioning, systems, GPS, congestion, statistics, reliability, condition, traffic, traffic data, program, costs

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Abstract:
As congestion increases, transportation agencies are seeking regional travel time data to determine exactly when, how, and where congestion affects freight mobility. Concurrently, a number of regional intelligent transportation systems (ITS) are incorporating various technologies to improve transportation system efficiency. This research explored the ability of these ITS devices to be used as tools for developing useful historical, and perhaps real-time, traffic flow information.Regional transponder systems have required the installation of a series of readers at weigh stations in ports, along freeways, and at the Washington/British Columbia border. By linking data from these readers, it was possible to anonymously track individual, transponder-equipped trucks and to develop corridor-level travel time information. However, the research found that it is important to have an adequate number of data points between readers to identify non-congestion related stops. Another portion of this research tested five GPS devices in trucks. The research found that the GPS data transmitted by cellular technology from these vehicles can provide much of the facility performance information desired by roadway agencies. However, obtaining sufficient amounts of these data in a cost effective manner will be difficult. A third source of ITS data that was explored was WSDOT's extensive loop-based freeway surveillance and control system.The output from of each of the ITS devices analyzed in this research presented differing pictures (versions) of freight flow performance for the same stretch of roadway. In addition, ITS data often covered different (and non-contiguous) roadway segments and systems or geographic areas. The result of this wide amount of variety was an integration task that was far more complex then initially expected.Overall, the study found that the integration of data from the entire range of ITS devices potentially offers both a more complete and more accurate overall description of freight and truck flows.

Authors:
Hallenbeck,M. E., McCormack,E. D., Nee,J., Wright,D.

Keywords:
freight data, ITS devices, data collection, data management, research

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/566.1.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/566.1.htm

Abstract:
The Seattle Wide-area Information for Travelers (SWIFT) Operational Test was intended to evaluate the performance of a large-scale, urban Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) deployment in the Seattle area. With the majority the SWIFT system completed by June 30,1996, the SWIFT Field Operational Test (FOT) evaluation was conducted from July 1, 1996, through September 20, 1997. The unique features of the SWIFT ATIS included the provision of information for multiple transportation modes, the delivery of this information using three different devices, and the use of FM sideband as the primary communications medium. This report details the findings for the SWIFT Consumer Acceptance Study based on the evaluation objectives that were identified in the SWIFT Evaluation Plan (1995). The primary objectives of the SWIFT Consumer Acceptance Study were to assess the following: Importance of traveler information in travel planning, Usefulness of SWIFT traveler information in travel planning, Minimum set of user services and device features required to provide viable product and services, User perceptions of SWIFT device usefulness, Willingness-to-pay for different services. User perceptions of changes in travel convenience and efficiency, User perceptions of changes in traffic congestion, air quality, energy consumption, and safety. ,

Authors:
Trombly, J., Wetherby, B., Dixson, A.

Keywords:
Acceptance, air quality, analysis, Assessment, ATIS, availability, bus, computer, congestion, congestion information, Consumer, data, data collection, Energy, environmental, evaluation, group, impact, impacts, improvement, incident, interviews, Miscellaneous Library, objectives, performance, planning, portable computer, quality, reliability, safety, seattle, Study, SWIFT, System, systems, traffic, traffic congestion, transit, transportation, travel, traveler information, urban

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Abstract:
The Seattle Wide-area Information For Travelers (SWIFT) project was a highly successful Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Field Operational Test (FOT) that was conducted over a four-year period from 1993 to 1997. The purpose of the project was to test the efficacy of a High Speed Data System (HSDS), or FM Sub-carrier, to disseminate incident, bus and speedlcongestion information via three different end-user devices: pager watch, portable computer and in-vehicle navigation device. Six hundred ninety (690) commuters, many with route- or mode-choice options, participated in the FOT and provided user-acceptance evaluations. Other evaluation components examined the system architecture, communications coverage, institutional issues, and consumer acceptance. The primary purpose of the SWIFT Deployment Cost Study was to provide an independent Life Cycle Cost Estimate (LCCE) of an operational and fully deployed SWIFT system. Moreover, it is intended to provide both the SWIFT participants and the FHWA with a measure of the commercial viability of \\\"SWIFT-like\\\" systems nationwide. Table ES- 1 shows the organizations that were included in the SWIFT Deployment Cost Study LCCE and commercial viability analysis.Table ES-1. Deployed SWIFT Participants (CostIRevenue Participants).Industry Government/InstitutionaISeiko Communications Systems, Inc. (SCS) King CountyMetro Networks University of WashingtonEtak, Inc.IBM (FOT Development Only)Delco Electronics (FOT Development Only)The methodology for the SWlFT Deployment Cost Study LCCE relied on standard proven costestimation and data collection and analysis techniques to provide cost estimates for each SWIFTparticipant shown above across the following three life-cycle phases:1) FOT development (costs of current SWIFT Test)King County Metro TransitUniversity of Washington (UW)2) Commercial Development (additional development and procurement costs for fullydeploying an operational SWIFT system (follows the completion of the SWIFT test)3) Annual Commercial Operations (annual operations costs for a fully deployed SWIFTsystem)A summary of the resulting life cycle cost estimate (LCCE) for the deployed SWIFT system ispresented in Table ES-2. Here, the FOT Development phase (based on SWIFT test actuals) wasestimated to cost $6.4 Million, the Commercial Development phase was estimated to cost $1.5Million, and the Annual Commercial Operations costs were estimated to be $0.8 Million.-- -SWIFT Deployment Cost Study I

Authors:
Jensen, M.

Keywords:
Acceptance, analysis, Annual, bus, computer, Consumer, cost, costs, counties, data, data collection, Deployment, development, evaluation, incident, Institutional, Intelligent transportation system, Issues, ITS, methodology, Miscellaneous Library, mode choice, networks, portable computer, project, seattle, speed, Study, SWIFT, System, systems, transportation, Washington

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Abstract:
A number of Puget Sound Regional Council analytical tasks require traffic data to describe the use and performance of regional roadways. This type of data is also often requested from the PSRC by private companies and member agencies. This report documents the design of a central database whose objective is to provide the PSRC (and others) with easy access to the traffic data already collected in the metropolitan region. Electronic copies of collected traffic statistics will be obtained from member jurisdictions, reformatted, and geocoded within PSRC\\\'s geographic information system (GIS). These data will then be available to PSRC staff and member agencies as needed. This report presents an overview of the database, a description of its structure, a description of design decisions made by PSRC staff, the data processing tasks required by the database software, and a description of necessary future actions.

Authors:
Hallenbeck, M. E.

Keywords:
Freeway performance, data collection, data analysis, database, PSRC, Puget Sound Regional Council

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Abstract:
Performance monitoring is defined as the periodic measurement of progress toward explicit short and long run objectives, and the reporting of the results to decision makers to improve program performance. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) should use performance monitoring to monitor conditions and trends in transportation on specific facilities and within specific geographic regions and the state as a whole. This report presents a logical framework for WSDOT to use in investigating the development of performance measures. It briefly describes the current status of WSDOT\'s development of performance monitoring systems. It investigates WSDOT needs, the uses WSDOT has for performance monitoring data, the types of data that can or should be collected and reported for these purposes, and the interactions required between WSDOT and other transportation providers and governmental agencies. Finally, the report outlines ongoing WSDOT research and data collection efforts and recommends directions for further research and analysis.

Authors:
Hallenbeck, M.E.

Keywords:
Performance monitoring, data collection

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Abstract:
This report describes the results of research response to various fare pricing strategies. This research builds on the analysis of fare elasticity conducted by the Washington State Transportation Center (TRAC) under contract with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The basic objective of this study was to provide information from which to predict changes to revenues with changes in the fare structure. Specific recommendations for an efficient and equitable fare structure require knowledge about more than the fare elasticities. The fare structure needs to reflect policies concerning the provision of mobility to island residents, achievement of a desirable ratio of revenue to operating costs, an optimal vehicle and walk-on passenger mix, and the like. However, fare elasticities can be used to explore the implications of different policies designed to address these issues. On the basis of the fare elasticity research, these observations can be made: (1) Care should be taken when the fares in categories with elasticities less than -1 are increased. The probable result will be a net loss in revenue. (2) The loss in commuter ridership on Cross-Sound and Vashon routes will probably be greater than any increase in fares. A reduction in fare may actually increase ridership enough to offset the loss. A properly priced monthly pass may be a very good way to attract more of these riders. (3) Riders on the Vashon and Cross-Sound routes have a very strong tendency to shift from vehicles to walking onto the ferries when fare increases. The fare structure can be used as a way to control the mix of vehicles and walk-on passengers. (4) For all three categories of oversized vehicles included in this study, ridership was elastic with respect to fares. Increasing those fares apparently causes people not to make those trips or to divert them around the Sound. This finding lends support to the idea of providing an off-peak discount for those vehicles. To achieve a higher degree of certainty in these findings and to make quantitative estimates of revenue impacts of fare changes, a different approach is required than the one used in this study. Data needs to be collected on a disaggregate basis. The report outlines how this research should be carried out.

Authors:
Ulberg, C.

Keywords:
Marine, pricing, fare elasticity, ridership, data collection, ferry

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Abstract:
This report documents the conclusions of the Traffic Data Collection and WIM Expert Task Groups (ETGs). It summarizes the data collection plan for the SHRP LTPP project, lists the primary actions required by the SHRP executive committee, describes the reasoning behind he selection of the preferred alternative, gives advice on the selection of equipment, provides insight into the intent behind the various recommendations, describes the major points made during the meetings of the two ETGs, and provides general guidance to SHRP on the collection, submittal, and manipulation of traffic data for the LTPP project.

Authors:
Hallenbeck, M. E.

Keywords:
Long-Term Pavement Performance, LTPP, weigh-in-motion, traffic data, data collection

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Abstract:
This report contains findings and recommendations form work performed in Task 1 of the project, Ferry System Data, Scheduling and Billing. It describes the data required by the Washington State Ferry System management and staff for the operation and management of the system. It describes the collection, manipulation, storage and retrieval of those data, and it provides a list of recommended changes that should take place within those procedures to improve the entire data collection and manipulation process.

Authors:
Hallenbeck, M.E.

Keywords:
AVI, automated toll collection, automated vehicle identification, marine, data collection, ferry system, information systems

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Abstract:
This study considers how prices are first set in the private sector using simple, micro-economic models. Second, it considers how prices should be set in the public sector using the theoretical framework of user charges in public finances. Third, we look at how prices are established in the transportation literature, with the highway transportation literature being considered the more relevant. Then how prices are determined in Washington\'s transportation system, in general, and the ferry system in specific were analyzed. Empirical evidence on Washington\'s ferry system fares and subsidies were studied as was evidence on the price elasticity of demand for various transportation services. Finally, the impacts of changing the price level for ferry services was considered as were a number of recommendations for pricing policy changes.

Authors:
Berney, R.E., Wallace, N.E.

Keywords:
Marine, pricing, fare elasticity, ridership, data collection, ferry

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Abstract:
This study involved an in-depth evaluation of the Washington State Department of Transportation highway data development and analysis activities. It developed statistically-based procedures and recommendations for a streamlined highway data collection program. Opportunities to reduce manpower and equipment costs, streamline work activities, improve the quality of data collection and provide accurate and timely data for the various users were identified. Given the focus on highway data, the major effort was devoted to the Department\'s traffic counting program. However, many data items and programs were considered, with the following receiving particular attention: traffic volume counting, including estimation of annual average daily traffic at any location throughout the state highway system; associated seasonal, axle and growth factors; vehicle classification; truck weights; and the relationship between the statistical sampling requirements recommended for these items and those associated with the FHWA Highway Performance Monitoring System in the state.

Authors:
Ritchie, S.G., Hallenbeck, M.E.

Keywords:
Analysis, Annual, axle, cost, costs, data, data collection, developed, development, equipment, evaluation, highway, monitoring, performance, performance monitoring, program, quality, sampling, seasonal, Study, System, traffic, traffic counting, transportation, truck, vehicle classification, volume, Washington, Washington state, weight, weights

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Abstract:
This study was undertaken to measure and assess current transportation behavior, attitudes, and adjustments people have made or are planning to make to cope with higher costs of transportation and energy shortages. A secondary objective was to develop an effective and inexpensive system to collect a sizeable amount of multimodal data for various types of travel from a statistically reliable sample of modal data for various types of travel from a statistically reliable sample of households in the State of Washington. Telephone interviews of approximately 15 minutes in length were conducted with 2,500 households in 1980 and 2,000 homes in 1983, with both samples having a 95 percent confidence level. Residents of metropolitan, urban and rural areas were included. The households interviewed were selected by a random computer search of telephone numbers. Respondents were screened to ensure that an adult member (18 years or older) of the household was interviewed. The questionnaire dealt with the travel habits of the household rather than just the person being interviewed. Travel to work, local travel, long distance travel, recreational travel, use of public transit and other modes of travel, as well as vehicle ownership trends were topics covered in the interviews. The household\\\'s travel patterns two years prior to the interview, as well as current behavior and future plans were included. The replies to the questions indicated that people were concerned about transportation problems and were willing to provide detailed facts and opinions about their household\\\'s transportation behavior.

Authors:
Limotti, B., Iverson, E., Jacobson, R.

Keywords:
Attitudes, behavior, computer, condition, cost, costs, data, data collection, Energy, energy shortages, households, interviews, multimodal, planning, public, public transit, Recreational travel, ridership, rural, Surveys, System, transit, transportation, travel, travel patterns, urban, Washington, Washington state

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Abstract:
This report examines major issues, concepts and methods of bus transit performance evaluation and suggests procedures and guidelines for internal and external monitoring in Washington State. In support of suggested procedures, data analysis on six years of operational and financial characteristics of Washington State systems, 1979-80 Section 15 data, and collected samples of small community/rural systems from other states was conducted. The major objective of the analysis was to test methodologies for developing and assessing transit peer groups\\\" relative to size and scale of operations, and prior to comparative within-group evaluation. The methodology entailed employing cluster analysis using up to 10 variables depicting service design and distribution. Two key variables were population and line miles. Problems were encountered in using Section 15 data. Due to its use of urban area, as opposed to service area population, clear distinctions of operating environments could not be determined. Thus, cluster groupings using Section 15 data were inconclusive. Cluster State systems (1980) were satisfactory and following additional verification, a suggested \\\"peer group\\\" classification for Washington State was recommended. The seven group types ranged in size from a rural regional (<40,000 population) to metropolitan (<1,000,00 population). Values for 8 efficiency and effectiveness indicators were used to assess \\\"peer group\\\" trends in performance in Washington over a five-year period (1976-80). Comparative evaluations of individual systems were not made. Despite only partial success in determining \\\"peer groups\\\", the study does identify methods and procedures for assisting in external and internal performance evaluation.

Authors:
Kelly, W.J., Rutherford, G.S.

Keywords:
Peer group evaluation, analysis, bus, bus transit, cluster analysis, data, data collection, design, effectiveness, efficiency, environment, evaluation, group, indicator, indicators, Issues, ITS, line, methodology, methods, monitoring, Operating, performance, performance evaluation, performance measures, performance standards, population, rural, section 15 data, Study, System, systems, transit, urban, Washington, Washington state

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Abstract:
This report completely describes the instrumentation on the drawspan of this Evergreen Point Bridge. The design and construction of the data recording system, with the complete calibration of the measurement and collection system is given. Initial data collection and preliminary analysis is set out. The analysis was subsequently abandoned, the data was retained.

Authors:
Brown, C.B.

Keywords:
Analysis, Annual, bridge, calibration, construction, data, data collection, design, fatigue, maintenance, reliability, System, wind

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