Citation

Deakin EA, Skabardonis A, May AD. Transp. Res. Rec. 1986; 1081: 59-65.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1986, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Traffic signal retiming has long been suggested as a means of improving traffic operations and reducing fuel consumption and emissions. However, few local agencies have been able to muster the resources to systematically retime their signals. In California, a statewide program--the Fuel Efficient Traffic Signal Management (FETSIM) Program--was established to address this need. The FETSIM Program provides funds, training, and technical assistance to local agencies to retime their signal systems for greater operating efficiency. To date, 62 local jurisdictions have participated in the program, receiving grants totaling $4 million (1983-1985). In 1986 and 1987 an additional $2 million will be available for grants. The objectives, design, and results of the FETSIM Program's first three funding cycles are described. The program was intended both to produce immediate transportation benefits and to develop within local agencies the skills needed to use state-of-the-art methods for longer-term signal systems management. The transportation benefits have been substantial, with average first-year reductions of 16 percent in stops, 15 percent in delays, 7.2 percent in travel times, and 8.6 percent in fuel use in the retimed systems. Training benefits to local agency personnel also have been positive. However, the program has not had a major influence on local priorities; basic problems in funding and staffing for local transportation activities, including signal work, remain. These problems appear likely to work against long-term maintenance of efficient signal-timing plans unless state funding continues to be made available.

Language: en

Keywords

TRAFFIC SIGNS, SIGNALS AND MARKINGS; REGIONAL PLANNING - Transportation; TRANSPORTATION - Traffic Control