Parallel Learning Based Foundation Model for Networked Traffic Signal Control

Networked Traffic Signal Control (NTSC) is a fundamental component of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and the broader vision of smart city development. While a plethora of intelligent strategies have been developed, the Sim2Real challenge often impedes their full realization. In response, this paper introduces the Parallel Learning-based Adaptive Network for Traffic Signal Control (PLANT) as a foundation model for NTSC. We employ the Wasserstein GAN with Gradient Penalty (WGAN-GP) to generate a wide range of artificial scenarios for robust PLANT training. Further, the Transformer-based Cooperation Mechanism (TCM) is integrated as the primary learner within PLANT, facilitating effective capture of traffic dynamics and knowledge accumulation. This knowledge is readily transferable to real-world applications through meticulous fine-tuning, equipping PLANT to adapt and evolve in alignment with shifting transportation paradigms. Our empirical study on the Hangzhou road network demonstrates PLANT's superiority over both traditional and emerging DRL-based approaches, emphasizing its viability as a potential foundation model for NTSC.