Citation

Tignor SC. Transp. Res. Rec. 1975; 533: 1-21.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1975, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Experimental moving-merge control systems were tested in Woburn, Massachusetts. This paper presents findings relative to how ramp drivers used the system and what they thought of the moving-merge concept. A green-band and a pacer system were evaluated. Analyses relative to system effectiveness and use included driver responses obtained from questionnaires, the extent to which ramp drivers used ramp-side displays, and the effect moving-merge systems had on traffic operations. Questionnaire responses indicated that drivers approved of the moving-merge concept and 70 percent found the systems understandable. This statistic was independent of driver age and type of system. Of the drivers who used both systems, 70 percent stated that the green-band system helped most in merging and was easier to understand and use. Analyses were developed to evaluate driver use of the ramp-side, displayed information. These analysis showed that the probability of drivers' using a lighted display downstream of the ramp was more significant for the green-band drivers who had been conditioned to having a lighted display upstream of the ramp. According to the average number of displays viewed per driver, the green-band system was used more consistently than was the pacer system. The mean relative velocity between green bands and ramp vehicles was significantly lower for drivers using the bands. Analyses were used to evaluate traffic operations within the freeway right lane and acceleration lane. Drivers using the systems improved their merge position without disrupting freeway traffic.