Optimization of Urban Tram Traffic to Improve the Efficiency of the Street and Road Network
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Traffic safety depends not only on the number of road accidents but also on the level of conflict between its participants, especially at intersections and at the junction of traffic flows. One of the key but insufficiently studied aspects is the interaction of tram transport with cars, which directly affects the capacity and safety of the road network. The article analyses the impact of various tramway schemes on the dynamics of traffic flows and accidents, considering modern traffic management methods. The study aims to determine the optimal solution that will increase the efficiency of the transport system, minimize conflicts between modes of transport, and ensure safe traffic conditions in the study area. The literature analysis shows that tram traffic research abroad includes introducing intelligent control systems, optimizing traffic lights, promoting tram priority, and using V2V and V2I technologies. In Ukraine, however, they are mostly limited to collecting statistics, while systemic changes are hardly implemented, and the dismantling of tram tracks contradicts international experience. To solve the identified problems, it is proposed that traffic lights be introduced at the intersection of Poltavskyi Shlyakh - Ozeryanska Street. The tram tracks should be moved from the carriageway to a separate track from the intersection of Poltavsky Shlyakh - Bolbochan Street to another location, either at the intersection of Poltavsky Shlyakh - Ozeryanska Street or Poltavsky Shlyakh - Kandaurova Street. The tram stop should also be relocated to a separate tram track. Additionally, a coordinated mode of operation between the new traffic light facility (Poltavsky Shlyakh - Ozeryanska Street) and the existing ones (Poltavsky Shlyakh - Kandaurova Street and Poltavsky Shlyakh - Bolbochan Street) is proposed for the ‘green wave’ mode. Traffic modeling using PTV Vissim was conducted on the section of Poltavsky Shlyakh Street from Petra Bolbochan Street to Ozeryanska Street in Kharkiv to evaluate the existing and proposed options. The modeling results indicate that relocating the tramway to a separate track at the Poltavsky Shlyakh - Ozeryanska intersection (Option 1) in Kharkiv improves traffic safety, reduces delays by 11%, and increases speed by 6%. In contrast, Option 2 (relocation to Poltavskyi Shlyakh - Kandaurova Street) worsens delays and reduces speed. Proper track placement allows smoother traffic flow by reducing conflict points. These findings can inform tram infrastructure optimization in other cities, enhancing accessibility, safety, and public transport efficiency.
Language: English
Subfield: Control and Systems Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4409461987