Simulation Study of Dynamic Bus Lane Concept

Not many publications are available on using microsimulation models to analyze the feasibility of implementing the dynamic bus lane (DBL) concept. The paper presents the methodology and calibration process used for DBL modeling. For the selected four sites in Rzeszów (Poland), three options were analyzed: no bus lane, standard exclusive bus lane (XBL), and dynamic bus lane. The analyses were carried out using PTV Vissim software with an additional logic script to control the DBL activation. Simulation model parameters were calibrated using a genetic algorithm. The final assessment of individual options was based on the weighted average travel time for all transport modes. The results show that the dynamic bus lane could bring the same benefits to public transport and cause only a slight increase in travel times in private transport compared to XBL. The XBL solution, depending on the site, led to increasing the average travel time in private transport by 12% to 25%, while the dynamic bus lane increased by 1% to 12%. Weighted average travel time per person is proposed as the overall indicator of efficiency. Preliminary analyses show that the bus volume, bus occupancy, routing, and traffic conditions will affect the efficiency of the new solution.