Tram signal priority using connected technologies

ARRB in collaboration with VicRoads (Victoria Department of Transport), Yarra Trams, and La Trobe University undertook a trial of cellular and 5.9GHz communication-based solutions for enhanced tram traffic signal priority.

The technology trial, called the Tram Signal Priority Using Connected Technologies project was a multi-phase, multi-year project which set out to test two separate technologies that may one day be used as an alternative to the existing physical detector based technologies.

The two technologies trialled were:

1. TRANSnet
2. La Trobe University developed bespoke Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) with 5.9 Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) solution.

Both solutions monitor the tram's position based on GNSS technology, however they use different algorithms to process the information and submit a priority request to SCATS via different communication medias.

The following report provides a summary of the project findings.

Click to view the summary report

ARRB has also hosted a webinar on the project.

The webinar provided further insights into the project and how findings from this project can lead to evolutions in signal management.

The one-hour webinar provided a 20-minute overview of the project along with a panel discussion and answered questions from webinar attendees.