Crash Analysis at Intersections with Transit Signal Priority
Transit Signal Priority (TSP) systems are widely used to improve transit operations at signalized intersections, but variations in signal display design may affect how drivers interpret and respond to these signals. Although recent updates to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) revised standards for certain TSP indications, many jurisdictions continue to operate legacy signal designs. The safety implications of these design differences are not well understood. This project investigates the relationship between TSP signal display configurations and crash outcomes at intersections. The research will develop a national inventory of TSP implementation sites and associated signal design characteristics, compile crash histories for these locations, and analyze crash frequency and severity using statistical modeling. Crash report narratives will also be reviewed to identify behavioral factors linked to specific signal displays. Results will provide evidence-based guidance on transit signal design and support future updates to national standards, improving intersection safety while maintaining effective transit operations.
- Record URL:
Language
- English
Project
- Status: Active
- Funding: $100,000.00
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Contract Numbers:
69A3552348301
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Sponsor Organizations:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
University Transportation Centers Program
Department of Transportation
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Managing Organizations:
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
130 Natural Resources Road
Amherst, MA United States 01003 -
Performing Organizations:
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
130 Natural Resources Road
Amherst, MA United States 01003 -
Principal Investigators:
Christofa, Eleni
Knodler, Michael
Tainter, Francis
- Start Date: 20260101
- Expected Completion Date: 20261231
- Actual Completion Date: 0
- USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program
- Subprogram: University Transportation Centers
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Bus priority; Crash analysis; Crash reports; Signalized intersections; Traffic signal priority
- Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01974410
- Record Type: Research project
- Source Agency: New England University Transportation Center
- Contract Numbers: 69A3552348301
- Files: UTC, RIP
- Created Date: Dec 18 2025 2:02PM