Analysis and Comparison of Travel Times Using Multiple Data Sources: A Case Study in Metro Phoenix

Ansari, Saleh (2021) Analysis and Comparison of Travel Times Using Multiple Data Sources: A Case Study in Metro Phoenix. Masters thesis, Northern Arizona University.

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Abstract

Travel time on the arterials and corridors has been one of the critical topics of the agencies and DOTs. There are many ways to collect the data, and each has its advantages and challenges. Loop detectors, camera detections, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth signals are some of the few ways used in this regard, which different companies provide. This thesis compares the travel time calculated using Inrix and Acyclica data for the W Cactus road from 75th Avenue (Ave) to 91st Avenue, Peoria, AZ, and the roads reaching its intersections. The analysis was done in two scenarios and three times of the day. Scenario A is the existing condition in which the traffic signals are running free (actuated) with dynamic max. Scenario B is when the traffic signals are coordinated along the Cactus road in both directions. Inrix has multiple sources to collect and analyze data to provide the results to its users. Acyclica uses the unique Wi-Fi signature of the passing vehicles and compares the recorded time stamps to calculate travel time and speed and other travel data. Using the data collected by each source, the travel time was calculated for each time of day and compared with the results provided by the other source using a t-test at a 95% confidence level. It was concluded that in most cases, Inrix and Acylica are reporting different results, especially for the main road. Next, the travel time at each scenario and time of day provided by each source was compared to determine whether the difference between the two sources stays the same while transitioning from scenario A to B. It was needed to know if the change in traffic service conditions can affect how these two sources are reporting their data. It was found out that the difference between Inrix and Acylica changes mainly in the main street. The thesis then explores possible reasons behind this by studying the data recorded by each source and the behavior of the travel time distributions and cumulative distribution function plots.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Publisher’s Statement:	© Copyright is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the Cline Library, Northern Arizona University. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.
Keywords:	Acyclica; Comparison; Data Collection; Inrix; Traffic; Travel Time; Traffic signals
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
NAU Depositing Author Academic Status:	Student
Department/Unit:	Graduate College > Theses and Dissertations College of Engineering, Informatics, and Applied Sciences > Civil Engineering, Construction Management and Environmental Engineering
Date Deposited:	18 Feb 2022 16:33
Last Modified:	18 Feb 2022 16:33
URI:	https://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/5714

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