Modelling Heterogeneous and Undisciplined Traffic Flow using Cell Transmission Model

This research calibrates Cell Transmission Model (CTM) for heterogeneous and non-lane disciplined traffic, as observed in Pakistan and some other developing countries by constructing a flow-density fundamental traffic flow diagram. Currently, most of the traffic simulation packages used for such heterogonous and non-lane-disciplined traffic are not calibrated for local traffic conditions and most of the traffic flow models are developed for comparatively less heterogeneous and lane-disciplined traffic. The flow-density fundamental traffic flow diagram is developed based on extensive field data collected from Karachi, Pakistan. The calibrated CTM model is validated by using actual data from another road and it was concluded that CTM is capable of modelling heterogeneous and non-lane disciplined traffic and performed very reasonably. The calibrated CTM will be a useful input for the application of traffic simulation and optimization packages such as TRANSYT, SIGMIX, DISCO, and CTMSIM.