All you Needs to Know about Transit Signal Priority (TSP)



What is Transit signal priority (TSP)?

Providing priority to the public transport vehicles at traffic signals is simply known as Transit signal priority (TSP) or Bus priority. This is a smart preemption technique, most commonly associated with buses, public transport vehicles including light rail. TSP reduces travel time for public transport vehicles and increases safety as well.

What is the Definition of Transit Signal Priority: 

Transit signal priority is amalgamation of techniques to improve service and reduce delay for mass transit vehicles at intersections controlled by traffic signals.

How is the TSP System Categorized?

TSP broadly separated in two categories

  • Passive Traffic Signal Priority
  • Active Traffic Signal Priority  

What is Passive Traffic Signal Priority?

In the passive traffic signal priority system traffic signals are set to turn green based on an average public transport vehicle speed.  There are no direct interaction between the transport vehicle and traffic signalling system. This is a less complex and cost-effective system as compared to the active TSP system.

What is Active Traffic Signal Priority?

Active traffic signal priority system also known as connected TSP, there public transport vehicle sends a signal to the traffic signal controller that is managed and optimized by computer software and devices. There preemption and priority being set, based on real time situation. This is most efficient system and bit more complex than passive TSP. 

What are main Transit Signal Priority Equipment?

Basic Components of Priority Control Systems

  • On-board Vehicle Systems
  • Intersection Equipment
  • Communication Networks
  • Control Center

TSP Components Commonly Installed at Intersections

Vehicle Computer Unit (VCU):

Vehicles carry a compact, yet rugged, Vehicle Computer Unit (VCU), which is connected to a dual RF/satellite-positioning antenna that receives precise location data and transmits priority requests to wayside equipment via secure radio.

Control Head:

The Control Head enables vehicle operators to monitor system activity and performance in real time. In addition to other features, drivers may be alerted when priority requests have timed out and when there is immediate potential for collision.

What are Key Benefits of Deploying Transit Signal Priority System?  

There are many key benefits can anticipate with deploying or installing transit signal priority system, pointed below.       

  • TSP improves Transit Schedule Reliability for Public Transport Vehicles
  • TSP Optimizes Public Transport vehicle Speed and Rider Safety  
  • TSP Optimizes and Reduce Transit Delay 
  • TSP helps to Increase On-Time Accuracy 
  • Deploying TSP helps to Reduce Fuel Cost and Emissions
  • TSP Minimize Bus Stop Delay
  • TSP Improve Travel Time Estimation 
  • TSP Increase Rider Confidence 

What is the cost of a transit priority signal system implementation?

TSP is a complex system, this is amalgamation of hardware, software, network and monitoring units. The costing also incorporates regular maintenance and checkup. There is no fixed cost for the system, it depends on signal points that need to be covered as well as the vehicle counts come under the TSP system.

For the right cost estimation you should consult with Transit signal priority system installation company. They will help you to get exact idea about installation and maintenance costing.  

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