Optimise VISSIM networks using TRANSYT

TRANSYT-VISSIM LINK

TRANSYT-VISSIM LINK is an ITS UK 2009 award-winning component for TRANSYT 13 that allows the user to optimise fixed time signals in VISSIM* networks.

TRANSYT 13 includes two sophisticated traffic models: the Platoon Dispersal Model (PDM) and Cell Transmission Model (CTM).  These models are quick to set up and fast to run, making it easy to set up a TRANSYT network from scratch, optimise signals and obtain good results very rapidly.  Micro-simulations offer a way to model highly complex networks and other scenarios with a high degree of realism. However, they usually rely on the user to input their own signal timing, which can be a time consuming and difficult process.

To help bridge the gap, TRL has developed a new software tool that imports a VISSIM network into TRANSYT 13 and then uses the TRANSYT signal optimiser in conjunction with the VISSIM traffic model to produce an optimum set of signals.  The user can define the optimiser objective, so that it may be, for example, a traditional TRANSYT style performance index based on stops and delays, but it could also be based on emissions or fuel consumption, or indeed any other output from the micro-simulation model.  TRANSYT works with fixed time signals, but the method is applicable to whatever type of signal control is used in the VISSIM network, and is mostly automated - so a minimum of input from the user is needed.

A further application of TRANSYT-VISSIM LINK is that TRANSYT 13 can be used to visualise, validate and edit signal plans for a VISSIM network - and the linking between TRANSYT 13 and OSCADY PRO gives the user even greater scope for streamlining workflows.

TRANSYT-VISSIM LINK is available as a tool within TRANSYT 13.0.4 and above, but is licensed separately.  For further details, please contact TRL Software.

* VISSIM is a product of PTV AG