D5.1 Tips&Info4BRT - Product specification of the event management software ALMO

Transcription

1 TiPS&Info4BRT Traffic lights priority system and information workflow for Bus Rapid Transit Corridors D5.1 Tips&Info4BRT - Product specification of the event management software ALMO Work package: WP5 Document type: Deliverable Circulation: Public Delivering date: May 2011 Version: 1.1 Author: D. Heckert, A. Kochs Contributions: Date of the version: 07 April 2011

2 Document history Version Date Editors Short description D. Heckert Document structure and first draft A. Kochs Quality control Salverio Gini, Claudio Disperati Quality control D. Heckert, A. Kochs Final version Tips_WP4_D5.1_Tips&Info4BRT Product Specifications_V1.1.doc 2

3 Index of contents 1 Effects of events in the road space to public transport operating platform and technical requirements Description of the road event management software ALMO Benefits on public transport by using ALMO Evaluation of the ALMO Road Event Management Software Requirements analysis Benefit analysis Softwaretest Case study Evaluation by simulation implementation Marketability Detection of further requirements Tips_WP4_D5.1_Tips&Info4BRT Product Specifications_V1.1.doc 3

4 Executive Summary Events in urban street regularly lead to congestions and delays. Not only is the individual traffic affected by the restrictions in the road network, but the public transport (PT) in particular. Public transport is influenced in the way, that busses cannot hold their fixed timetable. The resulting vehicle delays not only cause to a nuisance to the public transport users, but also to the public transport operators, because of traffic jams and road closures the timetable and the vehicle scheduling cannot be maintained and short-term implementations and new plans have to be realized. These circumstances generate additional vehicle and staff costs for public transport operators. Therefore, it is necessary to optimise the operation of public transport in the light of the availability of network. This deliverable describes the effects of road works on the traffic flow and especially on public transport in urban road networks. Besides the road event management software ALMO is described in his functionality. Benefits on public transport by using ALMO are elucidated and described detailed. On the basis of the results of the validation activities, carried out in WP4 by the real simulation environment, the implementations will be evaluated from different market aspects like costs/benefits, technical/operation dimensions, realisation/integration with current product candidate technology, etc. in order to define the potentials for the products utilisation. The knowledge produced during the overall project and module elements will be consolidated from the above dimension in order to become the base for innovative industrial applications and services in the transport and mobility sectors. This will lead to define a set of product specification for the implementations. Moreover a specific recommendation will be produced in order to identify the needs and opportunities of further research and innovation in the field of traffic control and traffic management. Tips_WP4_D5.1_Tips&Info4BRT Product Specifications_V1.1.doc 4

5 1 EFFECTS OF EVENTS IN THE ROAD SPACE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT Events in the street create a considerable impact on public transport. Road works or special use affect the local traffic flow in the way, that the traffic density in the road work area increases, the speed in the concerned sections is reduced, and travel time as well as lost time increases noticeable. The European research project "Tips&Info4BRT" had shown by a microscopic traffic simulation in Aachen that the travel time of buses at a blocked road lane increases considerably. The amount of the travel time extensions is strongly influenced by the location of the incident in the road network. By the restrictions of the road space the stop times of the buses increase substantially, so that high loss times in public transport are the consequence. These delays in public transport result even in road sections with separate bus lanes. In addition, it was recognized that large-scale crowding-out effects as well as small-scale crowding-out effects occur by road space restrictions. The size of crowding-out effects is crucially dependent on the local knowledge and information basis of the road users. On the other hand the crowding-out effects can cause traffic problems on alternative routes, whereby several other bus lines can be affected. 2 OPERATING PLATFORM AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS The ALMO Application Suite is a web-based management tool, which runs on the Sun Java Enterprise Server operating platform for JEE5 specification. The user interface is a JSF-based GUI (Graphical User Interface), which is displayed in a browser. The user actions are supported by the use of AJAX technology. As a data backend the objectrelational database management system PostgreSQL is used. The software tool is a web application that runs on a web server, where an interaction takes place exclusively with the user through a web browser. For this the user's computer (client) and the server are connected over a network in the internet or intranet, so that the physical distance between client and server is irrelevant. You can access it from any popular network-enabled client PC using a current web browser. We support the following browsers: Tips_WP4_D5.1_Tips&Info4BRT Product Specifications_V1.1.doc 5

6 Mozilla Firefox 3 Mozilla Firefox 3.5 Mozilla Firefox 3.6 Microsoft IE 6 Microsoft IE 7 Microsoft IE 8 The following minimum hardware is required on the application server to run the software. Processor Quad Core 2.33GHz Operating System Linux Ubuntu or Windows Server 2003 SP2 System Memory 8 GB RAM Hard disk 100 GB of free storage Network 100 Mbit / s TCP / IP The system architecture of a ALMO Road Event Management System is displayed in the following illustration. Tips_WP4_D5.1_Tips&Info4BRT Product Specifications_V1.1.doc 6

7 The software ALMO has various standardized interfaces which enables integration with other systems. 3 DESCRIPTION OF THE ROAD EVENT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE ALMO The web-based road event management software ALMO will run on a web-server. The interaction with the user exclusively will take place about a web-server. Hereby the computer of the users (Client) and the server are connected by a network like the internet or the intranet, so that a spatial distance between the client and server are unimportant. The application will be supported by every standard Office-PC, which has installed an actual version of the internet-browsers Microsoft Internet-Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. The road event management software will be scalable from a single-space-solution up to a complex network. The coordination of planned events requires a complex planning, implementation and monitoring. The main objectives are the minimization of obstructions of traffic flow during the event and the coordination of all involved parties. A unified management of activities, defined maintenance processes, transparent information and effective coordination between the various authorities is necessary for a compliant execution of municipal road works. The road event management software generates reliable information about road works, construction works and other events in the road space and produces strategic recommendations for public transport companies. This application is composed of three modules with different duties and responsibilities. The event management module supplies information about events and incidents in the road space and deduces information about the availability of the road network. For this purpose, the software has structured input options for all characteristic information of a measure. With a few clicks in a digital map the events can be located geo-referenced in the road network, so that the events are shown right in front of a background map. The description of the use of the road space at a measure can be inserted textually or by a graphical interface. Tips_WP4_D5.1_Tips&Info4BRT Product Specifications_V1.1.doc 7

8 The event coordination module is used for the technical support of all coordination and approval processes. Coordination means the spatial and temporal planning of events of different owners to minimise the negative effects of traffic flow and to minimise costs by realising construction projects together with others. Approval means the application and administrative decision of events like special use permits (e.g. street festivals or bicycle races) or road works on supply line by supply companies. The implemented coordination can be achieved through internal and external consultation, approvals and information exchanges between the involved partners. These processes take place according to a predefined process schema (workflow), which can differ depending on the issues. Each partner plays a specific role in the system platform, accesses to publicly available information from all partners and handles its business processes coordinated with the involvement of various partners. In this way, public transport operators are integrated at an early stage into the planning process of road works. Everyone benefits from the jointly provided information, which is the basis for an optimised process execution. Tips_WP4_D5.1_Tips&Info4BRT Product Specifications_V1.1.doc 8

9 In a workflow history all coordination and consultation processes are listed with detailed information. Besides each system user has a personalized task list, which express the user's current tasks. Coordinated and concerted events are provided to the public on an information portal on internet. More information on traffic e.g. current traffic data, traffic reports, web cams, parking information or current public transport information can be integrated using standard interfaces in the information portal. Tips_WP4_D5.1_Tips&Info4BRT Product Specifications_V1.1.doc 9

10 4 BENEFITS ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT BY USING ALMO By the use of the event management software ALMO potential benefits for public transport operators at different levels can be created. The event management software ALMO enables public transport operators a comprehensive access to information on planned events and an early involvement of the into the coordination and consultation processes of the planned measures. Already in the planning stage of events, documentation for the notification of the events are provided to the operators. The coordination and information processes also increase the predictability of the public transport operators as they are informed of all pending processes and can assess the possible impact of planned measures, wherefore they can take influence on the event realization. In this way, also an improved decision basis for public transport operation is created. Also a faster coordination and a reduction of the meetings with local authorities and construction companies are guaranteed by the software support. The optimisation of the public transport operation in the planning stages of events has a very positive impact on the time period of the realisation of the measure. Based on a large-ranging knowledge base the public transport operators can implement an optimal strategy for the measure realisation to optimize human resources and operational planning, which reduces personnel and operating costs. In this way, it is also possible to avoid delays on bus routes and to improve the service quality level for the customers increasing the reliability of the timetable and enhancing the quality of passenger information. For this reason ALMO contributes to improve the level of coordination and the sharing of information flow between all stakeholders, enabling the operation of a platform for improved public transport services. Tips_WP4_D5.1_Tips&Info4BRT Product Specifications_V1.1.doc 10

11 5 EVALUATION OF THE ALMO ROAD EVENT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE The evaluation of the implemented software is realised independently for each software component. Therefore the description of the software evaluation is made for each software component stand-alone. The aim of the evaluation is to test the marketability of the software. Focus of the evaluation was on the level of the provided software functionality, the technical implementation of the software and the benefits aspects, which are achieved through the use of software. The evaluation of the ALMO Event Management Software was realized by different methods. 5.1 REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS As part of requirements analysis, a survey to assess the necessary functions and to assess the potential benefits of the ALMO Event Management Software was realized. In this survey 32 municipalities in North Rhine-Westphalia were contacted and interviewed whether they are interested in any exchange of information on road event management systems. Further, several municipalities were visited and their experiences with such systems were discussed. Some municipalities were offered free use of software provided as part of a case study. The results regarding the requirements of a road event management software were summarized in D2 and have been included into the software development. 5.2 BENEFIT ANALYSIS Momatec GmbH carried out in cooperation with RWTH Aachen, a research study on "benefit analysis for the use of a software-based procedure for the municipal event management. The study argues that the increasing pressure on local optimization processes, as well as the growing complexity of tasks and the intensification of the coordination requirement, increase the need for the introduction of a road event management. The research results show that the use of a municipal road event management system benefits for all parties. Benefits are generated in the following areas: Improved data availability Increase the efficiency of the processes Improved process quality Tips_WP4_D5.1_Tips&Info4BRT Product Specifications_V1.1.doc 11

12 Cross-organizational planning, coordination and approval processes Time and cost savings Provision of information for public 5.3 SOFTWARETEST As part of the extensive software development software tests were performed to check all the functionalities intensive. The software testing has verified the software against the requirements defined for their use and has assessed its quality. The findings were used to detect and correct software errors. 5.4 CASE STUDY In a case study the software was made available in some municipalities. Participating communities were selected based on the previous survey. Local authorities should test the software in practice and investigate its utility. The feedbacks of the included municipalities were positive. Moreover, new requirements on the initiative of local authorities were addressed. The feedback of the case study were recorded and included in the evaluation results. 5.5 EVALUATION BY SIMULATION IMPLEMENTATION As part of the simulation implementation the functionalities of the software and the generation of the benefits have been examined. The simulation results show that events like road works in urban networks could have serious impacts on traffic flow and also on public transport lines. The nature and severity depends on different factors like traffic demand and level of the reduction of the capacity location of the event and switchover facilities level of information / knowledge of place of the drivers existence of alternative routes (local or long distance) within the urban network or in the motorway network dependencies between several events The simulation results show the following impacts of events: Tips_WP4_D5.1_Tips&Info4BRT Product Specifications_V1.1.doc 12

13 increase of traffic density on the affected section and the sections approaching to the event reduction of speed and congestion on the affected section and the sections approaching to the event in the case that these section do not have enough free capacity reserve local relocation of trips on alternative routes in the local surrounding of the event (using other local and residential roads) long distance relocation of trips on alternative routes (using the motorway or other high-capacity roads) with bigger detour because of detour traffic modification of number of turning cars at junction and thereby modification of traffic volume at different phases of traffic signalisation Regarding to public transport the following factors influence the grade of disturbance of busses in a positive way: existence of bus lanes prioritisation of busses at traffic lights location of bus stops in front of or directly behind junction With respect to these findings an urban event management and information system can support traffic engineers in the planning process to decide what traffic management measures should be implemented in case of an traffic-related event. Using a knowledge base for impacts of events and in addition traffic simulation for verification of the impacts and a validation of the effectiveness of the measures, the engineer is able to minimise the disturbance of traffic flow due to events like road works. 6 MARKETABILITY The evaluation results, which were developed using the different evaluation methods, are varied. These are shown below on the basis of the various software functions. Basic functions Functionality The basic functions include basic software functions Evaluation result The software module has Tips_WP4_D5.1_Tips&Info4BRT Product Specifications_V1.1.doc 13

14 such as language settings, user rights, address management or document management become market-ready - Language settings The feature is fully implemented. - User and rights administration The feature is fully implemented. - Administration of addresses The feature is fully implemented. - Document administration The feature is fully implemented. Event Management Module The coordination of planed events requires a complex planning, implementation and monitoring. The main objectives are minimization of obstruction of traffic flow during the event and the coordination of all involved parties. A unified management of activities, defined maintenance processes, transparent information and effective coordination between the various authorities is necessary for a compliant execution of municipal road works. The software module has become market-ready - Administration and data management The feature is fully implemented. - Information for the characterisation of measures The feature is fully implemented. - Digital map and reports The feature is fully implemented. Event Coordination Module The event coordination module is used for the technical support of all coordination and approval processes. Coordination means the spatial and temporal planning of events of different owners to minimise the negative effects of traffic flow and to minimise costs by realising construction projects together with others. Approval means the application and administrative decision of events like special use permits (e.g. street festivals or bicycle races) or construction works on supply line by supply companies. The software module has become market-ready Tips_WP4_D5.1_Tips&Info4BRT Product Specifications_V1.1.doc 14

15 - Administration of event status The feature is fully implemented. - Roles of users within the coordination Processes The feature is fully implemented. - Conflict analysis of events The feature is implemented with restrictions. - Process flow The feature is fully implemented. Information Module Actual, comprehensive and quality assured road and traffic information are the basis for traffic management plans (TMPs), the planning of logistic transport as well as public transport. Available information can be collected and merged in order to present them in an information portal to inform the public. The software module has become market-ready - Web-based information portal The feature is fully implemented. - Integration of different data formats out of different sources The feature is fully implemented. - Integration of object information fully implemented Conclusion: The evaluation confirmed that the software is market-ready. Tips_WP4_D5.1_Tips&Info4BRT Product Specifications_V1.1.doc 15

16 7 DETECTION OF FURTHER REQUIREMENTS Despite the recognized marketability of the product, there is the possibility of expanding the product. On the one hand various software functions should be organized and expanded in its scope. In addition, there is the possibility to implement new software functionality to support business processes more closely. Before and downstream business processes, for example recording damage from road supervisors or billing and accounting, can be involved in the business process, too. Tips_WP4_D5.1_Tips&Info4BRT Product Specifications_V1.1.doc 16