Othman Che Puan

Assessment of impact of variable message signs on traffic surveillance in Kuala Lumpur

Variable message signs (VMS), also known as changeable message signs (CMS) or dynamic message signs (DMS), are traffic control devices to communicate with motorists. A VMS is generally used to inform motorists the roadway, traffic, or weather conditions. It is also used to display travel times and public service announcements. This study attempts to utilize archived traffic data from the MRR1 freeway area in Kuala Lumpur to assess the accuracy with which VMS display travel time estimates, and driver response to display messages of varying lengths and formatting. Results show that usage of Variable Message Signs reduces the average travel times during the duration of the incident until the clearing of the resulting congestion by a significant amount. Under the presence of VMS, there is a significant shift of people from higher travel times in case of incident to lower travel times. The results demonstrate that VMS has no significant impact on gap but occupancy comes down.

Traffic Delay Estimation Using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) at Unsignalized Intersections

This study was carried out to the modeling of control delays at unsignalized intersection using Artificial Neural Network (ANN). Although, there are several methods for estimation of delay, they lead to different results. A comparative analysis for estimation of the control delay using Malaysian Highway Capacity Manual (MHCM) showed that the theoretical model was not consistent with actual delays observed from sites. Such a finding implies that MHCM’s model was not directly capable to the analysis of control delay at unsignalized intersections in Malaysia. Data pertaining to the analysis of control delay was collected from three intersections of various configurations using video camera recording technique. An ANN with two hidden layers and several sizes of neurons in the hidden layers were developed. Two mathematical models for estimation of control delay from minor road with a reasonable accuracy were developed using the outputs from the ANN’s model. A statistical analysis revealed that there is good agreement between formulas acquired from the ANN’s model and those from the field studies. The results of this research showed that the neural network is able to predict control delay incurred on minor road vehicles at unsignalised intersection more accurately. The analysis revealed that heavy vehicles had the lowest effect on the proposed formulas, where by increasing from 10% to 50%, the values of control delay could increase from 1% to 3%, while the movement flow and conflicting flow had the highest impact, where within the same ranges; control delay could increase until 39%.

Establishing a new model for estimation of the control delay at priority junctions in Malaysia

Abstract In analysis of priority junctions, control delays to minor street automobiles are often approximated utilizing the present mathematical models. Nevertheless, the applicability of such a technique depends on the basis and the source of the data with which the model was calibrated. This research was accomplished to establish control delays using Multi-Linear Regression (MLR) for left- and right-turning maneuver from minor road at priority junctions in suburban areas. The data were gathered at two priority junctions utilizing video recording method. In both movements, control delays to minor street automobiles increase as the volumeof main street traffic increases. The comparisons among observed control delays and the values estimated utilizing the Malaysia Highway Capacity Manual pointed out that; in general, the observed delays were not in a good agreement with the values computed by theoretical model especially within right turn from minor road. Additionally, the outcomes of this study revealed that the observed delays were in a well agreement with values predicted using the MLR’s models for left and right turns. Such a finding signifies that new model is directly applicable to the evaluation of control delays at priority junctions in Malaysia.

Simulation model of traffic operations on single carriageway roads: The development process

The needs to develop the traffic simulation model for evaluating the effects of various road layout and road traffic characteristics on traffic operations are required as traffic simulation models are becoming an attractive option in evaluating traffic matters. The present traffic operations simulation models on single carriageway roads similarly suffering from a comparable fault. Consequently, it is necessary for a complete traffic simulation model to be developed to accomplish this task. It is crucial for re-development of the procedure to be incorporated with the Malaysian traffic conditions and characteristics for precise valuation and investigation. Such a model must have the capability to simulate traffic behavior for a variety of geometry and road layout, evaluate the effect of turning vehicles at unsignalised intersections and compositions of traffic which also include motorcycles on single carriageway roads.

Application of Simulation Model of Traffic Operations on Single Carriageway Roads

The application of the simulation model in examining a road section’s potential capacity. The varying degree to overtake provision and diverse traffic features on capacity and speed/flow relationships effects were evaluated. The application of the model was to evaluate the potential effects of different number of junctions and different turning volumes level of on the traffic operation effectiveness. Generally, the model applied shows the need for more experiential studies as the simulation outcomes proposed that higher capacity is achievable.

Multiple logistic regression model of signalling practices of drivers on urban highways

Giving signal is a way of informing other road users, especially to the conflicting drivers, the intention of a driver to change his/her movement course. Other users are exposed to hazard situation and risks of accident if the driver who changes his/her course failed to give signal as required. This paper describes the application of logistic regression model for the analysis of driver’s signalling practices on multilane highways based on possible factors affecting driver’s decision such as driver’s gender, vehicle’s type, vehicle’s speed and traffic flow intensity. Data pertaining to the analysis of such factors were collected manually. More than 2000 drivers who have performed a lane changing manoeuvre while driving on two sections of multilane highways were observed. Finding from the study shows that relatively a large proportion of drivers failed to give any signals when changing lane. The result of the analysis indicates that although the proportion of the drivers who failed to provide signal prior t...

Attracting International Postgraduate Students: The Pulling Factors

A university has to carry out various marketing strategies and efforts to recruit international students as many as possible in order to fulfil one of the criteria for a world–class university status. However, to attract quality candidates with the desirable profile is becoming increasingly difficult especially when the university has to compete internationally and nationally with the existing and new emerging universities. This paper discusses the findings of a study carried out to establish the factors considered by international students before they decided to come to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia for their postgraduate studies. A total sample of 896 international students from various fields of studies for three different intakes was used in the study. The result shows that the main factors considered by them are the availability of the programme, reputation, the conduciveness of the campus environment for teaching and learning, and the location of the university. Most of them agreed that internet and education fairs or expositions are effective marketing medium for the recruitment of international students. This study provides an evidence–based framework to be considered by the University in formulating strategies and efforts to become a global player in higher education.