Shanghai Urban Traffic Route Guidance System

Reports on the implementation of the Shanghai Urban Traffic Route Guidance Demonstration System (STRG). The purpose of this system is to use new and emerging information technologies to improve the efficiency and safety of Shanghai´s road network system. The guidance principle of the STRG system is to provide drivers with traffic conditions information, and recommended routes by means of a number of roadside variable message signs (VMSs) and variable information boards (VIBs), as well as traffic information broadcasting systems, thus influencing the driver´s route choice behavior in such a way as to improve the utilization of available capacity, reduce the total travel time of the traffic network and make traffic flow easier. The architecture and traffic control model of the STRG system are discussed.