Urban travel time models: a case study of Vancouver (BC)

Abstract

Travel time survey data obtained from the City of Vancouver's Engineering Department show that travel times in the city have remained fairly constant over the past three decades, although traffic volumes and the number of traffic control devices have increased. This constant travel time pattern is contrary to that predicted by traditional travel time models. The traditional travel time models generally forecast travel time to increase with increasing traffic volume. This paper investigates the reasons for the observed travel time trends in Vancouver. It also investigates the validity of some traditional travel time models, by fitting the models with data collected on a few arterial streets. The results from the research indicates that the observed travel time trends are principally due to increases in vehicle speeds and increases in the capacity of the street network. Also, revised forms of the traditional travel time models have been derived for the arterial streets in the City of Vancouver.

Key words:

• Travel time models
• travel time prediction
• capacity
• free flow travel time