DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW TRAFFIC-FLOW DATA-COLLECTION SYSTEM (ABRIDGMENT)

A recently developed hardware-software package for performing "floating-car" or "speed-and-delay" traffic-flow studies is described. The Traffic Recording and Analysis System closely approximates an ideal system. It uses a microcomputerized data recorder that almost totally automates the data-collection process. An enormous amount of data can thus be gathered by one person. No special training or computer background is required. The device uses little power, is truly portable, and is packaged in a rugged metal attache case. The processing of data from digital cassette tapes is also almost totally automated. An IBM/360 computer analyzes the raw data and produces camera-ready printouts and digital plots. The information presented includes distance, travel time, speed, number of stops, delay time, fuel consumption, air pollution emissions, and vehicle operating costs. Digital plots available are time-speed profiles, speed contour maps, and speed perspectives. Heavy automation of data collection, analysis, and presentation means lower cost per study and thus greater productivity within existing budgets. (Author)