Temporal variations in urban road network traffic performance during the early application of a cooperative vehicle infrastructure system: Evidence from the real world
Bin Sun, Le Hu, Qijun Zhang, Chao Zou, Ning Wei, Zhenyu Jia, Wu Zhong, Hongjun Mao
Abstract
A cooperative vehicle infrastructure system (CVIS) can promote the sustainable development of urban road traffic systems. This study collected over 7 million vehicle operating data points using a CVIS in the early stage over 28 days. The data were divided into two categories based on the CVIS type: passive CVIS (P-CVIS), which does not utilize a speed-guidance function, and active CVIS (A-CVIS), which incorporates a speed-guidance function. By comprehensively utilizing traffic flow parameter relationships, the Two-Fluid model, and vehicle energy flow theory, this study analyzed the impact of the CVIS in the early stage on traffic efficiency and energy consumption in the long-term cycle. The correlation between the different evaluation variables was also analyzed. The results indicate that the A-CVIS is more effective than the P-CVIS at improving traffic efficiency. However, driver unfamiliarity with the speed-guidance function results in increased vehicle acceleration, decreased travel comfort, and increased vehicle and network energy consumption. Furthermore, as time progresses, drivers become more proficient with the CVIS, resulting in a gradual improvement in traffic efficiency but a continuous increase in traffic energy consumption. Additionally, the study suggests that drivers may require at least a week to understand the basic skills of using an A-CVIS. This study can contribute to the development and application of eco-intelligent transportation system.