Transit Signal Priority feature helps improve bus' reliability
San Antonio, Texas, United States
TSP in San Antonio BRT line reduces travel time by 15-20 percent
Summary Information
The VIA Primo transit line began operations in December 2012 and was the San Antonio region’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line. The Primo buses are modern-style, have a higher capacity (60 ft. long buses as opposed to the standard 40-ft VIA buses) and are powered by compressed natural gas.
When a bus is in a virtual detection zone, the on-board GPS-location based computer will automatically send a signal priority request to the traffic management system. The request is then relayed to the intersection traffic controller which requests the traffic system to provide a green light for the approaching transit vehicle to help keep it on schedule.
Results
- The BRT system’s transit signal priority (TSP) feature helps the Primo vehicles adhere to their schedules and thus improves reliability.
- Since its inception, the TSP system has helped reduce travel times by 15-20 percent.