Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing

, Volume 17, Issue 5, pp 597–607 | Cite as

A general simulator approach to ETC toll traffic congestion

Article

Abstract

This study proposes a process simulation-based approach using a general simulator to offer solutions for Electronic Toll Collection System (ETC) traffic expressway problems at toll plazas. First, the paper describes an overview of the ETC system in general around the world as well as in Japan, and clarifies the ETC traffic problems that occur on Japanese expressways and hinder the diffusion of the ETC system in Japan. Then the paper describes our approach of process simulation to this issue, using a general simulator to show how the basic model in this study has been built and how its internal procedures are defined. The basic model has been reviewed by a mathematical approach with results shown in the following section. Into this basic model, we applied some actual traffic data obtained from one of the ETC I.C. sites. By using ETC traffic simulations, this study verifies the feasibility of the model. This paper proposes two kinds of solutions to the ETC traffic issue. One solution is gate management, which coordinates ETC/general switching to make the best use of the gates. The key issue here is how to find the best time for gate switching. Another solution is layout redesign, which employs an appropriate new layout for toll plazas. The issue here is to design an effective layout to reduce traffic jams. On-site reviews of either solution represent an unrealistic approach. Therefore, this research utilizes a simulation-based approach to identify these solutions. Using the results of simulation, feasibility of this approach is discussed.

Keywords

General simulator Process simulation Electronic toll collection system (ETC) Expressway toll plaza Traffic jams Gate management Toll plaza layout design 
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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2006

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Institute of Technology and ScienceThe University of TokushimaTokushimaJapan
  2. 2.Graduate school of EngineeringThe University of TokushimaTokushimaJapan

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