Implementation of transit signal priority and predictive priority strategies in ASC/3 software-in-the-loop simulation

This paper presents an application of the ASC/3 Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) simulation in Transit Signal Priority (TSP) implementation and analysis. Two options of the ASC/3 controller software were examined: built-in TSP features, and the controller logic processor as a means to develop custom-defined Predictive Priority Strategies (PPS). The study is using a VISSIM simulation model of a planned transportation network with a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line in West Valley City, UT. The results show big possibilities for SIL simulation for transit priority analysis. Since the logic processor is not available in simulation software's traffic control emulators, SIL simulation can offer many options for custom-defined traffic control strategies beyond the standard operations. All of the described strategies can be implemented in the field controllers, without the need for new hardware or software.