PASSER™ V-03, Version 2.3

Introduction

PASSER V-03, Version 2.3, is the latest member of the PASSER™ family of signal timing optimization programs developed by TTI. It contains several optimization and analysis technologies offering the following key features:

  1. A graphic user interface with multiple-document architecture;
  2. A traffic (mesoscopic) simulation model that is applicable to under- and over-saturated traffic conditions;
  3. Optimization of timings to maximize arterial progression;
  4. Optimization of timings to minimize systemwide delay;
  5. Bandwidth constrained delay minimization; and
  6. A graphic time-space diagram.




The analysis and optimization models contained in the program include:

  • A new mesoscopic delay model similar to the step-based model in TRANSYT 7F. This model keeps track of any queue spillback or blocking and as a result, applies to all types of traffic conditions on an arterial.
  • A re-engineered and improved version of PASSER II's bandwidth optimization algorithm. It provides for fine-tuning of offsets without affecting progression (a process often referred to as bandwidth-constrained delay minimization).
  • A re-engineered version of PASSER III's optimization method for isolated diamond interchanges.
  • A new genetic-algorithm-based optimizer. This optimizer can be used to either maximize arterial progression or minimize systemwide delay. In addition, it can be used for diamond interchanges, arterials, or a linear system containing both.
  • A mathematical programming-based volume/throughput analysis model for quickly identifying actual or potential bottlenecks in a system.


Data Requirements and Applications

PASSER™ V data requirements are similar to other programs for signal timing optimization and analysis. This version of the program can be used to optimize or analyze signals timings for the following types of facilities:

1. Isolated signals;
2. Diamond interchanges with a single controller;
3. Signalized arterials with or without diamond interchanges.

PASSER™ V's GUI allows a user to define a signal, an interchange, an arterial, or a multi-arterial network. In fact, a user may choose to code several independent facilities in a single data file. The program, however, does not currently contain a tool (i.e. PASSER IV) to simultaneously optimize timings for all arterial in a network. Thus, the operation of each arterial must be analyzed or optimized separately.


Program Availability

Persons interested in purchasing any PASSER™ product should visit the McTrans Center for Microcomputers in Transportation at the University of Florida.

A demonstration version is now available for download from this site.


Demonstration Version

In the demonstration version of PASSER V-03, the analysis and optimization features are restricted to systems with up to two controllers. Thus, the user can evaluate all features of the program using the following types of facilities:

1. Isolated signals;
2. Isolated diamonds interchanges;
3. Two-signal arterials; and
4. Systems consisting of a diamond interchange plus an adjacent signal.

If you are ready to test-drive PASSER V-03, Download and install the program. This page also provides a downloadable version of the PASSER V-03 Guide. This guide provides an overview of basic theory and sufficient details about models in PASSER V. It also provides simple step-by-step exercises illustrating data coding and the use of analysis/optimization features in the program.


PASSER V Training

TTI staff is currently conducting a series of one-and-half-day training workshops for TxDOT staff. Soon, this workshop will be made available to other professionals. People interested in attending a workshop are welcome to contact us at passer5@ttimail.tamu.edu. Workshop slides are also available for download.

 

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