Comparison among Computer Packages in Providing Timing Plans for Iowa Arterial in Lawrence, Kansas

In traffic engineering, three computer packages have been widely used in providing coordinated signal timing plans for arterials. They are SYNCHRO, TRANSYT-7F, and PASSER. These packages were developed at different periods in time, with different backgrounds and different algorithms. This paper explores which of these packages is the best in yielding a suitable timing plan for Iowa Street, the main north-south artery in Lawrence, Kan. The timing plans produced by SYNCHRO, TRANSYT, and PASSER are compared in terms of the delay, stops, speed, fuel consumption, and emission as analyzed by NETSIM. The best plan is the one with the most desirable measures of effectiveness. The result of the study shows that PASSER provides the best timing plan for this particular arterial. SYNCHRO is very good at data entry and data transfer. NETSIM shows strong power in the evaluation of the timing plans in details and capability of displaying animation. Finally, proper steps to do arterial coordinated timing analysis using these packages are recommended.