Archive

25 August 2012, Volume 12 Issue 4 Previous Issue    Next Issue
---
Decision-making Forum
Forum about Comprehensive Transportation System
Intelligent Transportation System and Information Technology
Systems Engineering Theory and Methods
Cases Analysis


For Selected:

Download Citations EndNote Ris BibTeX

Toggle Thumbnails

Decision-making Forum

Select

Systems Science and Traffic Security ZHANG Guo-Wu 2012, 12(4): 1-10.  Abstract ( )   PDF (500KB) ( )   The safe operation of traffic and transportation is always a core and basic work. The 27th conference of “Traffic and Transportation Forum 7+1” focuses on the issue of “systems science and traffic security”. Some basic theories and frameworks on systematic safety are introduced. The existing security problems are analyzed for several systems such as high-speed railway, urban rail transit, air transportation, and road traffic. The essential elements of safety engineering are explored in terms of the procedure, framework, standard and research method. Based on the domestic and international cases and practices, the strategic goals, achieving methods and the key techniques are put forth for traffic security system. In addition, some items on the “12th Five-Year Plan” of high-speed railway are discussed and the consensus are proposed as that building and improving the national safety standards and practical strategies should be the keys for future development. Related Articles | Metrics

Forum about Comprehensive Transportation System

Select

Harmonious Relations of Transportation Energy Consumption in Integrated Transport Development ZHOU Qing-Feng, MA Si, LUO Yuan-Yuan 2012, 12(4): 11-16.  Abstract ( )   PDF (522KB) ( )   With the emergence of new transport concepts and the development of advanced transportation modes, the construction of integrated transport will not only meet the needs of national economic development, but satisfy the ecological principles of planning, construction and management, with low resources and energy consumptions and low pollution emissions, as well as harmony with the environment. Therefore, the transportation energy consumption is a key factor. This paper discusses the concept of integrated transport energy consumption indicators based on the entropy changecoupling model. With consideration of the situation of China’s environmental level and economic development, it also demonstrates harmonious relations of China’s integrated transportation energy consumption level between environmental level and economic level. The results indicate the status of China’s overall transportation energy consumption and provide new ideas for the sustainable development integrated transport in the future. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Empirical Research Method on Transportation Demand Modeling LI De-Hui, DAN Jing-Tao, WANG Jiang-Yan, YUE Peng 2012, 12(4): 17-21.  Abstract ( )   PDF (616KB) ( )   This paper is based on a key project of a central city in southwest of China. It aims at alleviating the traffic congestion of cities. With the increases of city population and vehicle ownership and motorization, the quantitative strategic decision for the transportation system planning is rather important and urgent than ever before. And the demand model formulation is a key foundation for the planning. To conduct quantitative analysis on the planning schemes, the four-step transportation demand model is developed based on the household survey. The NL and MNL models are used according to the vehicle ownership in the process of mode split, and the volume delay function is determined in traffic assignment. The comprehensive schemes based on planning, construction, policy and management are finally tested to evaluate the possible effect. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Carrying Capacity of BeijingShanghai HighSpeed Railway by Different Transport Organization Patterns ZHENG Jin-Zi, LIU Jun 2012, 12(4): 22-28.  Abstract ( )   PDF (428KB) ( )   This paper focuses on the BeijingShanghai HighSpeed Railway (HSR) carrying capacity with different transport organization patterns. First, it presents the relationship between train combination pattern and carrying capacity. By comparing the reduction coefficient of two train combination patterns, it can be found that the carrying capacity can be improved by forming the pattern of trains with the same intermediate stop times tracing each other in a group. Based on that, the paper develops the reduction coefficient calculation formulas of both the highspeed and middlespeed trains. Using the obtained reduction coefficients, the paper then calculates the carrying capacity of BeijingShanghai HSR with different transport organization patterns. In the last section, it deeply analyzes the influencing factors of highspeed railway carrying capacity. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Intelligent Transportation System and Information Technology

Select

BRT Vehicle Travel Time Prediction Based on SVM and Kalman Filter CHEN Xu-Mei, GONG Hui-Bo, WANG Jing-Nan 2012, 12(4): 29-34.  Abstract ( )   PDF (737KB) ( )   An integrated BRT vehicle travel time prediction model is proposed. It uses the support vector machine (SVM) to predict the initial travel time and apply the Kalman filter algorithm to dynamically adjust the results of predicted travel time. Based on the global pasitioning system(GPS) data, a case study of the BRT line 2 in Chaoyang district of Beijing is conducted with the proposed model. Bus travel time during the morning peak hours and offpeak hours are predicted by both the proposed model and the Kalman filter model. The results show that the proposed model is more suitable to predict the bus travel time with high prediction accuracy, and the accuracy for offpeak hours is higher than the one for peak hours. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

ETC Data Mining Based on Hybrid Markov Model QIAN Chao, XU Hong-Ke, DAI Liang, LI Shu-Guang 2012, 12(4): 35-42.  Abstract ( )   PDF (664KB) ( )   ETC tolling data contains a vast amount of information. the data mining to improve management efficiency is an urgent problem to the expressway administrations. In this paper, ETC raw data are used to construct the route sequences transactional database. Against the shortcomings of low accuracy and coverage rate with basic Markov route prediction model, a new method based on hybrid Markov route prediction model is proposed to predict vehicle route on the expressway. ETC vehicles’ future driving states are predicted and unusual route sequences are detected using this method. The experimental results show that the detecting result is reliable, and the overall prediction accuracy rate is above 83%. It may provide theoretical foundation and decision support for expressway administrations to develop charge checking and improve ETC management level. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Integrated Simulation Platform of VISSIM, Excel VBA, MATLAB LU Shou-Feng, WEI Qin-Ping, SHEN Wen, LIU Xi-Min 2012, 12(4): 43-48.  Abstract ( )   PDF (1127KB) ( )   The paper puts forward an integration method of Excel VBA, VISSIM and MATLAB for traffic simulation platform, which indeed solve the problem of programming difficulty and time consuming if the highlevel programming language is used to reprogram. The Excel VBA is the master control program. Excel VBA has the easy interface programming with VISSIM and MATLAB. The MATLAB has the powerful toolbox, library function and the advantages of analyzing the matrix. The VISSIM and MATLAB are the called objects of Excel VBA. VISSIM usually simulates traffic flow and outputs the performance index. MATLAB is programmed for the proposed traffic control model. The integration of VISSIM and Excel is realized by the COM data communication interface. The integration of Excel and MATLAB is realized by the Excel Link extension interface. The proposed integration method for traffic control simulation platform provides an effective solution to validate the traffic control model. The paper also presents an example of Qlearning signal timing optimization based on the proposed traffic control simulation platform. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Delay Analysison Inside Leftturning Flow Based on VISSIM Simulation LI Shuo, GAO Yan, ZHANG Jian-Long, YANG Yang 2012, 12(4): 49-56.  Abstract ( )   PDF (944KB) ( )   Taking the intersection with two separate leftturning lanes as an example, this paper analyzes the delay of inside leftturning flow which is always affected by lateral leftturning flow through VISSIM simulation system. In the process of simulation, the traffic flow parameters of the inside leftturning lane are set as constants while the corresponding parameters of the lateral leftturning lane are to be variables, and then the discrete data is obtained. The linear regression is conducted and the influence factor model is obtained for the inside leftturning delay. Furthermore, the paper proposes some improvement measures based on the simulation results. From the comparisons of the delay of inside leftturning and the intersection at each cycle that before and after the improvement, is the measures are proven to be effective. It also provides references for other similar intersections. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Regional Traffic Signal Timing Optimization Based on Genetic Algorithm ZHUANG Hong-Bin, ZHOU Ya-Ping, CAO Xian-Sheng 2012, 12(4): 57-63.  Abstract ( )   PDF (472KB) ( )   This paper develops a bilevel model to optimize signal green timing and hence minimize the total travel delays under given urban area network. The network flow distribution related to traveler’s route choice with regards to their experienced delays is considered in the model with the variables of signal phase green time in every intersection. And then the flow distribution model is converted to the problem of travelers’ best routes choice by the variational inequality theory, thus achieving stochastic user equilibrium. Because the number of variables increases with the scale of network, the improved genetic algorithm（ＧＡ） is presented to solve the multivariable problem. The algorithm shows advantages in dealing with the problem and a typical urban area network example is analyzed. An example of typical regional signal optimization is presented to verify the effectiveness of the method. The result shows that the method can effectively create the optimal signal timing plans in urban areas. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Simulation of Key Control Parameters with TSP Strategies and Artery Coordination on Isolated Intersections TAN Zhen, HUANG Zhi-Yi, MEI Zhen-Yu 2012, 12(4): 64-71.  Abstract ( )   PDF (2008KB) ( )   The combination of arterial coordination and actuated control of single intersection has become a fascinating control pattern. Because coordination is usually implemented along the main road which has bus lanes, it requires active signal priority strategies with a stable cycle length. Taking the real key intersections on artery as the subject, the TSP controlling logics with specific restrictions are realized by the VISSIMVAP module. Through simulation analysis, the effect of TSP strategies with flow variation on optimal cycle is discussed, together with a reasonable way to select gap time and priority phase’s initial green. The results show that under special flow combination, increasing the cycle time generated by traditional TRRL approach can obtain some extra benefits. And the volume condition has a bearing on both gap time and TSP phase’s initial green time. Besides, the efficacy of early green is slightly better than green extension strategy by comparison. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Signal Timing Optimization for Single Intersection with Evolutionary Game Theory LI Jian-Ming, YU Chun-Yan 2012, 12(4): 72-78.  Abstract ( )   PDF (1112KB) ( )   Aiming at the complex and random traffic flow at single intersection, this paper adopts the idea and the selection mechanism of evolutionary game theory to examine an new signal light control mechanism—An evolutionary game based optimization method on signal timing for single intersection (EGSTOA), which is made to minimize the mean delay of traffic flow. To evaluate the proposed method, the performance of this method is evaluated by the traffic simulation software VISSIM, thereafter, this study compares the control effects of this new approach with the fixedtime control method and the signal control based on the genetic algorithm. The simulation result illustrates that the EGSTOA method effectively reduces the mean delay of traffic flow and improves the effectiveness of signal control. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Railway Obstacle Detection using Onboard Forward-Viewing Camera TONG Lei, ZHU Li-Qiang, YU Zu-Jun, GUO Bao-Qing 2012, 12(4): 79-83.  Abstract ( )   PDF (1017KB) ( )   Track clearance is the foundation of the safe and continuous operation of railway system. Nontrack circuitbased intrusion and obstacle detection techniques may be well applied for railway systems because the rail obstacles always greatly reduced the train speed. In this paper, a machine visionbased obstacle detection method is proposed based on the onboard forwardviewing camera and realtime image processing algorithms. First, a rail recognition algorithm is developed to automatically locate the rails in front of the train and find whether the obstacles in track segment are large enough to block the whole track ahead, such as, rail or road vehicles. Then, a small obstacle detection algorithm based on edge detection is used to detect the candidate obstacle areas. Typical features of the obstacle areas, such as dimension and color index parameters, are thus obtained. Finally, a support vector machine(SVM) is trained to classify the candidate obstacle areas and verify the true obstacles. Experiments show that the proposed method can effectively detect obstacles. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Target Tracking Mean-Shift Algorithm Based on Improved Color Feature and Histogram Updating LIU Kang-Ya, SUN Shou-Qun, LIU Shuo-Yan, WANG Bing, LV Xiao-Jun 2012, 12(4): 84-92.  Abstract ( )   PDF (2687KB) ( )   In this paper, a target tracking algorithm of meanshift based on improved color feature and histogram updating is proposed to enhance efficiency of intelligent video surveillance in complicated scene. The variety of color around a pixel is taken as the feature of the pixel to improve the single color’s capability of expressing the target. The probability density of image is easily forecasted based on the histogram to enhance the efficiency of meanshift. The histogram of target is updated based on matching degree between the target and the result of meanshift. The experimental data indicates that the improved color feature can avoid interference of similar pixel of background and that the updating of histogram can solve the problem of the change of target’s size. This algorithm can improve mean-shift’s validity of the realtime target tracking in the complicated scene. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Systems Engineering Theory and Methods

Select

Geo-spatial Analysis of Truck Parking Needs SRIVASTAVA Praveen, WANG Bruce X, ADAMS Teresa M 2012, 12(4): 93-105.  Abstract ( )   PDF (2685KB) ( )   The availability of safe and convenient temporary parking facilities for commercial trucks is essential for both efficient truck transport and compliance with hours of service (HOS) regulations for drivers. With increasing volumes of trucks on the highways, adequate truck parking is becoming scarce. This study describes an online GIS survey instrument that is used for collecting the location information of areas with truck parking capacity shortages. To effectively analyze the sporadic and widely spread location data, this paper adopts an algorithm for location clustering and cluster ranking and proposes an alternative cluster visualization method along highways. This clustering concept recognizes that parking capacity shortages occur along highway segments. It is found that the most frequently experienced shortages are in the outskirts of major urban areas, reflecting the need of staging for next day delivery. These findings are consistent with observations by highway patrol. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Urban and Metropolitan Freight Transportation:A Quick Review of Existing Models ZHOU Jiang-Ping, DAI Shuai 2012, 12(4): 106-114.  Abstract ( )   PDF (809KB) ( )   The freight transportation model is comparatively underdeveloped and had not been paid much attention to for decades. This study provides a synopsis of existing models at the urban and metropolitan levels, their major procedures, techniques, weaknesses and strengths. Based on consistent and comprehensive criteria synthesized from existing literature, this study also assesses the performances of different models. The assessment indicates that the tour-based model outperforms other ones. Each model, as expected, only outperforms others in some aspects. That is, there is no perfect freight model. Freight modelers should adopt a context-sensitive and problem-specific attitude when choosing their respective models. Specifically, choosing models based on the nature and scope of the problem at hand rather than on general performance assessment results or related personal impression or preference. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Performance Analysis of Urban Rail Transit Network QIAO Ke, ZHAO Peng, YAO Xiang-Ming 2012, 12(4): 115-121.  Abstract ( )   PDF (1964KB) ( )   With the construction of new lines, urban rail transit network continues to expand. It is beneficial for the smooth operations of urban rail transit network to analyze the network characteristics of different development periods and summarize the law of development. Based on the theory of complex networks, the paper first compares the characteristic values of Beijing urban rail transit plan network and current operating network and the variation of values. The results indicate that some indicators of plan network such as average degree, clustering coefficient and average shortest distance has increased. However, due to expansion of service radius, the network efficiency decreased slightly. Then, aiming at important nodes failure and line failure, the paper compares the network flexibility after node failure and line failure, and calibrates the key nodes in the network. The results show that the node and line failure have smaller impacts on the planning network. The fundamentality of some nodes changes with the network improvement. For current operating network, it is necessary to guarantee the reliability of key nodes. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Dynamic Pricing Model of Container SeaRail Intermodal Transport on Single OD Line LIU Di, YANG Hua-Long 2012, 12(4): 122-127.  Abstract ( )   PDF (481KB) ( )   Dynamic pricing problem under uncertain conditions has significant impacts on the benefit and competitiveness of a Multimodal Transport Operator (MTO). Based on revenue management theory and features of container searail intermodal transport, this paper established a twostage optimal model which integrated dynamic pricing and slot allocation on single origin-destination line. The first stage was proposed by considering longterm slot allocation in contract market, and the second stage was proposed by considering the dynamic pricing in free market. Due to the demand uncertainty and the statistic error characteristic, the method of chance constrained programming and a robust optimization model were employd to solve the models respectively. The simulation results have shown that the models and algorithms are feasible and effective. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Data Mining on Index of Static Load of Freight Cars LIU Zhi-Li, ZHOU Xi-Lin, FANG Qi-Gen 2012, 12(4): 128-134.  Abstract ( )   PDF (832KB) ( )   Static load of freight vehicles is one of the important indices to evaluate the efficiency of railway wagon usage, as well an important basis for predicting coefficient of static load in railway line design. Based on sorting out the data structure of static load, clustering algorithm of Kmedorids is employed for data mining to find the significant and relatively stable classification characteristics between static load of railway administrations. It is different delivery proportions of heavy goods that are indicated by index factor analysis to cause the static load classification of railway administrations. The datamining also indicates the differences of static load between different grading railway administrations which cannot be ignored, therefore determining the coefficient of static load in railway design based on divided region is recommended. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Multiobjectives Optimization on Flights Landing Sequence at Busy Airport WANG Shi-Dong, ZHANG Yue, ZHANG Zhi-Hai, YU Hai-Yang 2012, 12(4): 135-142.  Abstract ( )   PDF (1013KB) ( )   The optimized landing sequence of fight is one of the good methods to decrease delay and improve service. Especially, the objectives are usually conflicting and contradictive when the air traffic controller (ATC) makes the decision. The landing sequence at the busy airports can be regarded as one machine scheduling problem with multi-objectives in the paper, and the pareto optimization is discussed emphatically. The mathematic model is formulated which makes the tradeoff between the number of weighted delayed flights and the maximum time of the delayed flight, and then flexibly choose solutions. The multi-objective ant colony algorithm which shares the pheromone between multi-objectives is utilized to solve the problem. Results show that the proposed algorithm performs well when compared with the traditional heuristic methods and can help ATC choosing different landing sequences according to the real conditions. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Traffic Evacuation of Cellular Network after Dangerous Goods Spill CHEN Gang-Tie, SHUAI Bin 2012, 12(4): 143-148.  Abstract ( )   PDF (420KB) ( )   After dangerous goods spilling, the emergency evacuation transportation of the hazardous area is rather important to reduce personal injuries and economic losses. This paper analyzes the emergency evacuation on major and core road networks during a given time. The objective function is a cell model for regional emergency evacuation considering road network capacity. Then, combining with the complexity of the model characteristics and advantages, the quantum particle swarm model is solved. The example shows that under emergency situations, if the traffic management department makes most of the information superiority and dominant road network evacuation capacity, the evacuation capability will increase by 56.9% than normal cases. The proposed models and algorithms provide a theoretical support for emergency traffic management. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Cognitive Heuristics for Modeling Pedestrian Walking Behavior XU Qi, MAO Bao-Hua, QIAN Kun, ZHU Yu-Ting, LIANG Xiao 2012, 12(4): 149-154.  Abstract ( )   PDF (543KB) ( )   The challenging issue in pedestrian crowd dynamics modeling is how to tackle the selection mechanism for pedestrian walking direction and step size. Based on hierarchical finite state machines, adaptive decision model for pedestrian agent walking behavior decision making is proposed in this paper. Furthermore, to reveal the characteristics of pedestrian decision-making in pedestrian motion, a set of rules based on cognitive heuristics is formulated to model the pedestrian crowd dynamics. Through designing computational experiments, the simulation data is collected to calibrate and validate the models. The study results show that the pedestrian flow densityvelocity diagram is qualitatively consistent with the field data and flow ratedensity diagram is dovetail into the reported results in the cited works. The proposed pedestrian crowd dynamics is reasonable to describe the pedestrian traffic pattern. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Braess’ Paradox Phenomenon of Congested Traffic Networks ZHAO Chun-Xue, FU Bai-Bai, WANG Tian-Ming 2012, 12(4): 155-160.  Abstract ( )   PDF (418KB) ( )   In the congested traffic networks, the link congestion is related to the flow on this link, as well as to that on other links. This paper investigates the properties of Braess’ paradox and whether the adding link makes sense under the system optimal in the congested traffic networks. Using the user equilibrium (UE) and system optimal (SO), it gives the explicit ranges of the total demand that the Braess’ paradox occurs and the adding link makes sense under SO, respectively. In addition, we investigate the influence of other links on the probability that the paradox occurs and the adding link works under SO, subsequently, we discuss the influence of other links on the difference between the total congestion under UE and that under SO. The results show the probability that the paradox occurs and the adding link works under SO, the difference of total congestion under two assignment methods are both influenced by the extent on other links, which widens theoretical ideas for the assignment of the urban transportation networks. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Scenariodriven Approach of High Speed Railway Emergency Plan Process Control LU Chao, ZHOU Lei-Shan 2012, 12(4): 161-166.  Abstract ( )   PDF (516KB) ( )   Aiming at improving the efficiency of high speed railway rescue work and ensuring the maneuverability of high speed railway emergency plan implementation, supporting emergency response with a better use of information technology, this paper introduces a structured method of constructing high speed railway emergency plan process control workflow model using the notion of scenariodriven in software development. The method emphasizes the function of scenario which drives the designing of workflow model in the whole process control. Then it describes a graphical notation UCM at different level of abstraction, which can be gradually extended and hierarchically refined and thus expected to achieve a clear structure and information completeness effect. In addition, it designs a concrete process control algorithm based on the feature of UCM structure which analyzes and optimizes the operation details of the whole emergency response. The paper finally discusses how to use the method with an example. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Reliability Research of Traffic Operation for Artery Network under Snow Conditions ZANG Xiao-Dong 2012, 12(4): 167-171.  Abstract ( )   PDF (515KB) ( )   To evaluate the influence of snow on highway traffic operation, and thus to make corresponding management strategies to effectively decrease the influence, the paper presents the traffic operation reliability and selects travel time as the evaluation index. Regarding the artery network in Heilongjiang province of China as the object, the travel time in segments of highway is proved to follow the normal distribution based on the field data. The reliability model of segment is developed by the reliability theory, Probability and mathematical statistics theory. And the threshold value of the evaluation index of the travel time is given based on the relationship between friction coefficient and travel time. Then, a assessment criterion whether the snow disaster will happen is put forward. Considering the layout of the artery network in Heilongjiang province of China, the analyzing method of reliability for the route and the highway net is established. In the last section, the feasibility of the method is verified by an example. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Design of Spider WebAirline Network Model GE Wei, ZHU Jin-Fu, WU Wei-Wei 2012, 12(4): 172-177.  Abstract ( )   PDF (456KB) ( )   null References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Evaluation of Urban Public Transportation Network Equilibrium Based on Gini Coefficient FANG Jin-Yuan 2012, 12(4): 178-183.  Abstract ( )   PDF (502KB) ( )   Public transport system is an important part of the urban integrated transport systems, and the public transport systems are distinct according to different city types and sizes. Due to the current status of the city’s rapid development and the rare researches on the equilibrium evaluation on the transit network, this paper discusses the main features of the conventional public transportation system in medium-sized and small cities, and analyzes the main problems on the layout of the public transport. It applies the Gini coefficient theory to the research of urban public transportation network evaluation. Started from efficiency and equity, the paper establishes related evaluation system and measures the equilibrium on the evaluation method of the medium-sized and small cities. At the last section, the evaluation on the layout of public transportation network in Langfang City is analyzed for case study. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Modeling Drivers’ Heart Rate and Highway Alignment Relationship on Long Steep Downgrades LIAO Jun-Hong, SHAO Chun-Fu, WU Hong-Bo, SUN Yi-Xuan, WANG Shu-Ling 2012, 12(4): 184-189.  Abstract ( )   PDF (1216KB) ( )   Influenced by such factors as road environment and severe weather condition, the probability and severity of traffic accident is much higher on long steep downgrades. This study aims to improve the traffic safety level on long steep downgrades on mountain freeways. First, filed experiments is conducted to collect drivers’ physiological data when vehicles travelling on long steep downgrades on typical mountain freeways. The growth rate of heart rate (GRHR) is selected as the representation indicator of drivers’ driving psychology. Then the study develops the relational model between drivers’ GRHR and the distance to the beginning of the downgrade, the curvature of current section and the operating speed. Moreover, the traffic safety assessment technique of highway alignment based on the indicator of drivers’ heart rate for long steep downgrades is put forward, and the assessment criteria and process is presented. Considering the main traffic safety influencing factors such as the characteristics of road environment and the operation status of vehicles, the proposed model provides theoretical support for the design of highway alignment on long steep downgrades. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Cases Analysis

Select

Public Transport Development Experience of UK and Its Enlightenment to China XU Wen-Qiang, XU Ya-Hua, FENG Li-Guang 2012, 12(4): 190-194.  Abstract ( )   PDF (278KB) ( )   Based on field investigation and related materials, the paper summarizes the development characteristics of UK urban public transport. It analyzes the policies and measures of UK in terms of management system, market operation, service monitoring investment and ticket pricing. Considering the actual status of cities in China, some advices are proposed for improving China’s urban public transport, including establishing the operation management system, promoting company competition, pricing ticket with scientific theory and methods, increasing investment, strictly evaluating operation and services, adjusting traffic demands by economic approaches, and encouraging green traffic modes. It may provide references for policy and measure making up of the government. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Traffic Organization Methods and Effects of LargeScale Events Holding on Special Space: Case of 16th Asian Games Opening Ceremony DENG Xing-Dong, GAN Yong-Hua, LI Jian-Xing, LIN Sheng-Kang 2012, 12(4): 195-201.  Abstract ( )   PDF (4683KB) ( )   Distinct from traditional gymnasiuminside patterns, the 16th Asian Games opening ceremony was held on the Pearl River Haixinsha island which is water surrounded, and strong opened central business district. Before the start of the opening ceremony, the parade function was conducted on the Pearl River, whose route cross through the whole central district. Because of the special venues and patterns which have not been used in the history of the Olympic and Asian Games, the traffic organization for this opening ceremony faced a real great challenge. Therefore, the organization mechanisms of flexible planning, hierarchical management, static and dynamic binding, time and space separation were applied and other useful methods of largescale events are taken. The program design of traffic control, parking layout, public transportation organization, and the traffic flow line of approachleave gymnasium were well developed and implemented, which successfully solved the traffic organization problem for largescale events opening ceremony holding in CBD open space. Meanwhile, it provided valuable experiences for the traffic organization of largescale events in the future. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Taxi Service Quality Perception Gaps in Urban Areas: A Case of Hangzhou, China YAO Zhi-Gang, YUAN Qiu-Ming 2012, 12(4): 202-207.  Abstract ( )   PDF (431KB) ( )   Three gaps of taxi service quality are added to the Gaps model proposed by Parasuranman, Zeithaml and Berry. The perception gaps of taxi service quality among management staff, driver and passenger are analyzed based on a survey in Hangzhou, China. The most perception scales of drivers are higher than those of management staff and passenger indicate that the service provider always overestimates the service quality. The gaps between drivers and passengers are larger than that between drivers and management staff, and two kinds of gaps have significantly negative impacts on the overall taxi service quality. The gaps between management staff and passengers have partly significant difference and its negative impacts on the overall taxi service quality are not significant. The result indicates that the service provider always overestimates the service quality and gaps between drivers and passengers should be eliminated to improve taxi service quality. References | Related Articles | Metrics