Platoon-based self-scheduling for real-time traffic signal control

In this paper, we take a self-scheduling approach to solving the traffic signal control problem, where each intersection is controlled by a self-interested agent operating with a limited (fixed horizon) view of incoming traffic. Central to the approach is a representation that aggregates incoming vehicles into critical clusters, based on the non-uniformly distributed nature of road traffic flows. Starting from a recently developed signal timing strategy based on clearing anticipated queues, we propose extended real-time decision policies that also incorporate look-ahead of approaching vehicle platoons, and thus focus attention more on keeping vehicles moving than on simply clearing queues. We present simulation results that demonstrate the benefit of our approach over simple queue clearing, both in promoting the establishment of “green waves” where vehicles move through the road network without stopping and in improving overall traffic flows.