Introduction of HOV lanes in Gdynia
Within CIVITAS DYN@MO the City of Gdynia has developed three new lanes with priority for public transport vehicles (HOV lanes), one in the city centre and two connecting suburbs with the city centre. This has resulted in a noteworthy improvement of the attractiveness of public transport on these corridors, due to the better punctuality of the service and reduced travel times.
Traffic model simulations which were conducted beforehand pointed out that dedicated bus lanes would reduce travel times, even by 10 minutes, especially during rush hours. Thorough communication measures were undertaken to inform drivers about the new rules related to the HOV lanes and to announce to the citizens about the improved public transport lines. Inhabitants of Gdynia generally agree with development of HOV lanes and have even asked the authorities when additional HOV lanes will be introduced. And indeed, new bus lanes are planned to be introduced in Gdynia soon within EU, national and local funds.
On one of the HOV lanes a video detection system has been installed as part of Tri-City Traffic Management System called TRISTAR. The main task of this system is to detect and identify cars which are not allowed to drive there. During the night infrared technology is used, to prevent drivers to be blinded by a suddenly appearing flash of light when a device takes a photo. All vehicles crossing the bus lane and not being on the so-called "White List" (list of authorized vehicles) are recorded as an offense. The system detects and reads the registration plate and also provides information on reliability of the diagnosis (in %), vehicle category, the manufacturer and model of the vehicle as well its color. Total output data includes an image of the vehicle and a silhouette of the driver, as well as a short film showing the passage of the vehicle along the measuring point.
Author: Rafał Polakowski
