Evaluating the alleviation of traffic congestion through Bus Rapid Transit using Multi-Agent Simulation

Zeyu Zhou, Mizuki Kobayashi, Uta Sato, Kazuma Akashi, Ayato Kitadai, Soma Sugihara, Yusuke Fukasawa, Masanori Fujuta, Nariaki Nishino

Abstract: In this study, we evaluated the impact of introducing a new transportation system, bus rapid transit (BRT), on traffic congestion using a multi-agent simulation (MAS). The rapid urbanisation accompanying the development of cities worldwide, with a growing population of over one million people living in cities, is expected to result in increased traffic congestion. Therefore, addressing this problem has become increasingly urgent. One of the potential solutions is the BRT system, which has attracted considerable interest. However, research on its effectiveness in alleviating congestion has not been sufficiently conducted, which was the focus of this study.We conducted MAS using the tool Simulation of Urban MObility (SUMO), focusing on the Eastern Saitama region as a case study and evaluated the impact of congestion relief resulting from the introduction of BRT.We observed that the introduction of BRT had a positive impact on increasing the maximum traffic flow rate and contributed to congestion relief through the adjustment of BRT headways. Additionally, we obtained suggestions for further congestion relief by designing of dedicated BRT lanes. The outcomes of this study can be leveraged to provide strategic recommendations and decision-making support for road construction and BRT introduction plans.