Briefly
The highly granular traffic speed and travel time data makes it possible to generate (on all road segments and at all times)
– traffic volumes during congestion
– the cost of congestion
…and a fuller explanation
Having highly granular traffic speed and travel time data makes it possible to do other granular analyses that were previously impractical or impossible, including:
combining traffic speed with traffic volume to determine vehicle throughput- using traffic speed to determine the unit cost of delay
- using traffic volume and unit costs’ to determine the total cost of congestion
- comparing the severity of congestion at different locations
- comparing the severity of congestion at different times (AM, PM, holidays…)
- looking at the rate of growth of congestion over the years
- …
How can the information be used?
Traffic speed, traffic volume and congestion cost can be used for:
- Network Management – know, from the data, where problems exist or are developing
- Speed / travel time surveys – no need to collect more – just ask for what you need
- Preparing a Business Case – use data to show exactly where and how bad the issues are
- Design – be able to ‘see’ the problems and develop design solutions in context
- Engaging Consultants & Contractors – provide them with data and see what they see
- Construction – see, understand and manage construction impacts
- Review / Audit – monitor and report on the difference that your project has made