MODELLING TOLL PLAZAS USING QUEUE THEORY

摘要

This study aims to increase the operational knowledge of the toll plazas to maximize theirperformance, using the queuing theory. First, we describe the theory of queues and itsappropriateness to the collection booths. We defined the concept of level of service for tollplazas with their performance standards for waiting time in queue and average queuelength. It is shown a number of assumptions (input variables, criteria for the traffic division,and information output) and develops a model called Car Motion. It is verified theconsistency of queuing theory to simulate the toll plaza, through calibration of the model,with error in the order of 11%. Analyses are made in five types of operational scenarios. Itis proven the exponential relationship between the volume of traffic and waiting time inqueue. The performance of exclusively manual booth is similar to mixed booth (manualand electronic). There is a linear relationship between increasing percentage of heavyvehicles and toll capacity reduction. The increasing of the percentage of electronicpayments to 41% can reduce 33% the number of booths manuals, representing large costsavings. Finally, the use of 50% of prepaid ticket payments achieves a 38% gain incapacity.