Study of Urban Vehicular Traffic in Adelaide Metropolitan Area: A Spatiotemporal Analysis for a Clearer Definition of Peak Periods, Peak Hours, and Nominal Peak Hours

• Published in: Journal of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies Vol. 15; pp. 799 - 818
• Main Authors: POURHASSAN, Keyvan, SOMENAHALLI, Sekhar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies 2024
• Subjects: Forecast traffic volume; Future traffic demand adjustment; Spatiotemporal traffic analysis; Traffic peak hour
• ISSN: 1881-1124
• DOI: 10.11175/easts.15.799

‘Traffic peak hour’ is an arguably unclear yet widely used concept in urban transport studies. It is common to see the term ‘peak hour’ used interchangeably with ‘peak period’. However a clear definition is necessary to undertake quantitative and analytical assessments. Spatial variation in peak hour across larger size study areas adds to the complexity. This study considers the spatial distribution of traffic peak hours across the Adelaide metropolitan area which leads to deriving the nominal traffic peak hours. A simplified version of a methodology commonly used in travel demand models to determine peak hour volumes is replicated in this study. Comparisons are made between observed and estimated values. These comparisons coupled with the definition of nominal peak hour are used to reinforce the argument for the need for future forecast demand adjustment. Observed site-specific peak hour volumes are recommended to inform such adjustments in forecast traffic volumes.