How real‐world driving cycle differs in heterogeneous traffic conditions: a case study in Delhi

Abstract

PurposeHeterogeneous traffic in Delhi is complex to understand due its typical composition, speed acceleration, cruising, deceleration and idling activity in flow. To arrive at accurate emission factor estimates and implement proper traffic demand management there is need to understand microscopic vehicle operation activity. The vehicular operations are easily quantified by understanding driving cycle of the particular vehicle in real world driving conditions. The purpose of this paper is to present a study on the understanding of driving conditions in India that are heterogeneous in nature.Design/methodology/approachTo understand the heterogeneity, the driving cycle data were collected using GPS on different types of both motorised and non‐motorized modes of transport, e.g. car, auto rickshaw, bus, motorcycle and cycle rickshaw and bicycle on different traffic corridors in Delhi.FindingsResearch findings show that driving cycles differ for different types of vehicles. Therefore, each mode should be encouraged based on their average speed‐time sequence in any traffic mix. The real‐world driving cycle will be also useful for the understanding of fuel consumption and emissions in real‐world scenarios, in order to control vehicle emissions properly, achieve fuel efficiency and to obtain a more sustainable transport system.Originality/valueThis type of research has not been carried out previously in any Indian city.