Application of Queuing Theory to Address Traffic Problems at a Highway Toll Plaza

Abstract:

In India, due to the escalating traffic issues, a large number of highways have been built in the recent past, which are maintained by tax collection at toll plazas, by various operating agencies. Due to smooth and hassle free driving on highways, the arrival rate of vehicles at Toll Plazas increases. The arrival rate goes beyond control if the traffic on the highway increases in an uncontrolled manner, with the passage of time. Thus, one of the irrefutable drawbacks of putting up Toll Plazas, is the traffic congestion. The waiting time, in the service lanes, due to such a congestion becomes high and excruciating for the commuters on the route. The objective of this study is to analyze the current situation, of traffic congestion, at a highway toll plaza using queuing theory and suggest possible solutions to encourage greater efficiency, thus reducing waiting time of the customers and money wasted because of that. This study has been carried out in various phases, i.e. problem identification, data collection, data analysis and results at a selected Toll Plaza in North India. The data analysis in the study helps to find out the current operational effectiveness of the Toll Plaza through parameters like, Arrival Rate, Service Rate and Number of toll booths. Finally, possible solutions have been put forward which can be recommended and implemented on various Toll Plazas in the country.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volumes 592-594)
• Pages: 2583-2587
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.592-594.2583
• Online since: July 2014
• Authors: Dheeraj Duhan*, Nishant Arya, Prateek Dhanda, Lalit Upadhayay, K. Mathiyazhagan
• Keywords: Queuing Theory, Toll Plaza

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