Analysis of preferential treatment for public transport at intersections controlled by traffic lights | Análisis de tratamientos preferenciales para transporte público en intersecciones controladas por semáforo

Inglés. Context: This work presents the possible optimization of passenger transportation at one intersection in San Jose, Costa Rica through the application of preferential treatments for public bus transportation, through the use of a simulation program compatible with said treatments. The main indicator used corresponds to the average delays per passenger; these delays were obtained at intersections with and without the use of preferential treatments. Methodology: The input data correspond to vehicle counts that were carried out with the help of video cameras at intersections; Data were obtained, by vehicle type, for the morning and afternoon peak hours. The intersections were recreated according to the site geometry and modeled, the volumes were entered into the simulation model. In order to simulate preferential treatment, bus detectors were added to the simulation, whose function is to detect the moment in which the bus passes and with this modify the phases of the traffic light to instantly benefit the bus. The strategies used to give bus phase priority (TSP) are green time extension and red suppression.  Results: In the simulation models created, preferential treatments were determined to reduce average delays per passenger by up to 38 % at the intersection studied. Annual savings in time and fuel of up to 60 thousand dollars were determined. Conclusions: Calculating delays per person, instead of the traditional calculation per vehicle, can provide a different perspective to the analysis of capacity at intersections. The implementation preferential treatments for transit could be feasible in economic terms.

Español; castellano. Contexto: Este trabajo estudia la optimización del transporte de pasajeros en una intersección de San José, Costa Rica, mediante tratamientos preferenciales para buses. Se evalúan las demoras promedio por pasajero en escenarios con y sin estos tratamientos. Metodología: Se realizaron conteos vehiculares con cámaras de video durante horas pico, clasificando por tipo de vehículo. La simulación incorporó la geometría del sitio y detectores de autobuses que modifican las fases del semáforo mediante extensión del tiempo verde y supresión del rojo. Se aprovecharon bahías existentes para simular el salto de cola. Resultados: Los tratamientos preferenciales redujeron las demoras promedio por pasajero hasta en un 38%. Se calcularon ahorros anuales de 60 mil dólares en tiempo y combustible. El tiempo de recuperación de la inversión se estimó en 8 meses. Conclusiones: El análisis de demoras por persona, versus el tradicional cálculo por vehículo, brinda una nueva perspectiva para evaluar la capacidad en intersecciones. Los tratamientos preferenciales para transporte público demuestran ser económicamente viables.