Traffic Control Systems Give Transit a Break
Summary Information
Delays at traffic signals can represent up to 15 percent of transit travel time. European experience with transit priority control systems reveals average reductions in signal delay of 10 seconds per intersection, with a potential reduction in delays ranging from 40 to 80 percent. England and France have experienced reductions in transit travel times of 6 to 42 percent. Based on European experience, the impact of these traffic control systems on automobile travel time has been small, ranging from a 0.3 to 2.5 percent increase. The payback period for installation of transit priority systems is estimated to be 1 to 2 years.