Minimization of overall person delay at light rail transit crossings on congested urban arterials

This study describes analytical model as one innovative way to simulate Light Rail Transit (LRT) operations and calculate vehicular, transit and person delays at LRT crossings through Microsoft Excel. Analytical model emulates LRT trajectories from field and use these trajectories to clearly define train and car phases through Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) logic, which is part of analytical model. Simulation of train trajectories and calculations of delays were done for different LRT strategies and estimated roadway condition, Testing and validation of analytical model were performed in one case study in Salt Lake City (UT). Results show that analytical model is capable of emulating LRT trajectories and estimating delay at isolated LRT crossing. However, analytical model is not capable of simulating different train strategies at two or more LRT crossings, at the same time. Finally, extracted strategy provides savings from $100.000 to $200.000 in study area, on annual basis for projected year.