This paper presents the findings from a series of surveys designed to assess the design and future market potential of California's fuel-efficient traffic signal timing (FETSIM) program. Both cities that have participated in the program and non-participants were surveyed. The surveys found that, in addition to the 3200 signals already retimed, another 6500 signals appear to be eligible for the FETSIM program under current criteria (10 or more signals in a co-ordinated system capable of multiple timing plans). about 4000 signals are at isolated intersections, although perhaps half could be tied into a nearby system. Another 4300 signals are in systems, but up to 1800 of these are in systems that include fewer than 10 signals. At least 2500 signals (some in systems, some isolated) lack hardware for co-ordination and/or multiple timing plans. Program modifications that would support greater market penetration of fuel-efficient signal retiming include the use of methods suited for small systems and isolated intersections, and funding for hardware improvements. However, staffing limitations also act as a barrier to participation in signal retiming programs; overcoming this barrier might necessitate redesign of the outreach and technical support elements of the signal retiming program. (author/publisher)
Abstract