Real-Time Signal Control in Developing Cities: Challenges and Opportunities

Urbanization in developing countries is dramatically faster than in developed world due to lack of regional or statewide planning. In addition, birth rate and increasing car ownership create larger cities especially in developing world. As a result of this urbanization, developing large cities beef not only about traffic problems, but the traffic problems come to the forefront. Lack of road infrastructure, inadequate rail system and uncoordinated transport and urban planning can be found frequently in developing large cities. Traffic lights are inevitable control method of cities and supposably, this will not change even if the cities grow further or technology improve. However, if the traffic signals are not correctly operated the municipalities produce neither economically nor environmentally solutions (i.e. replacement of signalized intersections with multistory interchanges). Therefore, the municipal authorities need an effective and feasible traffic signal control system to cope with the growing and fluctuating traffic demand and to prevent irreversible decisions about road infrastructures. This study focuses on operational experiences on traffic signal control in Istanbul, with some general consideration on challenges and opportunities on signal control in developing cities.