01033507

Component

This paper discusses current definitions of metropolitan traffic congestion and ways it is currently measured. In addition, the accuracy and reliability of these measures will be described along with a review of how congestion has been changing over the past several decades. First, the results of a survey among transportation professionals are summarized to assist in framing the issue. Most respondents linked the measurement of congestion to the increased travel time that occurs during peak periods. Roughly half of those surveyed felt that congestion measures are at least somewhat accurate, and about 80% of those surveyed feel that congestion has worsened over the past 20 years. The paper includes a literature review of current trends in congestion definition and measurement, a discussion and short critique of one major congestion monitoring program, and presents some basic theory about how traffic parameters are often measured over time and space. A brief description of possible congestion measures over corridors and entire door-to-door trips is provided. Additional analysis of recent congestion measures for entire metropolitan area is provided, using Portland, Oregon and Minneapolis, Minnesota as case examples. Some discussion of the stability of daily travel budgets and alternative viewpoints about congestion are provided along with some conclusions and perspectives for future research.

01020180

06-1419

English

17p

2006

Transportation Research Board 85th Annual Meeting

CD-ROM

Figures (6) ; References (26)

City planning; Congestion management systems; Monitoring; Traffic; Traffic congestion; Traffic flow; Transportation planning; Travel time

Portland Metropolitan Area (Oregon); Twin Cities Metropolitan Area (Minnesota)

Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2006 Paper #06-1419

TRIS, TRB

Mar 3 2006 10:40AM