Zong Tian, Professor and Director, Center for Advanced Transportation Education and Research (CATER), University of Nevada, Reno

This presentation is sponsored by ITS-Davis’ partnership with the Pacific Southwest Region University Transportation Center.

Title

Traffic Signal Coordination Principles and Timing Development – An International Perspective

Time

1:40pm - 3:00pm

Location

1605 Tilia, Room 1103, West Village

Abstract

Traffic signal coordination is one of the most important and useful strategies in the field of traffic signal control. Well-timed traffic signals on urban corridors can significantly reduce travel time, vehicle stops, and related fuel consumptions and green-house emissions. This presentation will primarily focus on signal coordination principles and timing development methodologies currently adopted in North America practice (US and Canada). However, signal control practices can vary significantly in different countries and regions. Through some real-world case demos, the audience can have a good understanding of the differences among these practices. The audience will also learn the latest technologies and tools for performing signal timing optimization and performance evaluation.

Biographical Sketch

Dr. Zong Tian joined the University of Nevada Reno (UNR) in 2004 and is currently a professor and director of the Center for Advanced Transportation Education and Research (CATER) at UNR. He obtained his Ph.D. degree from Texas A&M University. His professional career includes positions at the Texas Transportation Institute between 2000 and 2004, and Kittelson & Associates, Inc. between 1995 and 1999.

Dr. Tian is active in various professional organizations. He was a member of two major TRB committees: the Traffic Signal Systems Committee and the Highway Capacity and Quality of Service Committee. He is currently the Topic Area Manager (TAM) for Area C of the World Conference on Transport Research Society (WCTRS), overseeing four Special Interest Groups in transportation systems, operations, and safety. He is an associate editor of the journal of Case Studies on Transport Policy. His specialty is in traffic signal systems and operations, highway capacity, and integrated freeway and arterial operations. He has more than 80 journal publications, most of them are in traffic signal control. He has also published two books related to traffic signal control. Dr. Tian received the Young Consultant Award from ITE in 1997.