Improved decision-support making for selecting future traffic signal controllers using expert-knowledge acquisition

Transportation agencies are facing the decision-making problem while selecting traffic signal controller that corresponds to the needs of their future signal system. The complexity of this problem originates from the current level of controller standardization, market-driven competition, responsibility for long-term operation, and scale of investment. This paper presents an improvement of methodology and a decision-support system (DSS) for selecting traffic signal controllers. DSS bases upon Analytical Hierarchy Process, and is developed as an application in MS Excel. The main improvement is the component for expert knowledge acquisition for assignment of criteria weights. The graphical user interface and supporting analytical engine based on fuzzy logic are developed to enhance the expert knowledge acquisition. Paper presents application interface and analytical engine with an example. Possibilities for further research should provide potential for greater flexibility of this application to aid in decision-making for other equipment selection.