Yangon Technological University

Department of Civil Engineering

Transportation Engineering III+IV

(2023-2024 Academic Year)

Travel Time Analysis

Submitted by
Name: Thein Than Oo
Roll No: IVC - 3
Date: 19 February, 2024

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 Table of Content
Topic Page No.

Chapter 1: Introduction 2
Chapter 2: Literature Review 4
Chapter 3: Methodology 5 to 7
Chapter 4: Result & Discussion 7 to 14
Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendation 14

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Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Background
In modern urban environments, effective transportation systems play a vital role in
ensuring cities operate smoothly. As urban populations continue to expand rapidly, it becomes
increasingly important for urban planners and policymakers to understand travel patterns and
times between key locations. Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, is facing similar challenges. As
the city undergoes urbanization and economic growth, the demand for precise data on travel
times between popular destinations becomes more pressing.

1.2 Problem Statement

Even though efficient transportation systems are crucial, there is still a significant lack of
detailed data on travel times between specific locations in Yangon. This gap in knowledge poses
a challenge for transportation engineers aiming to enhance the city's infrastructure and reduce
congestion. Without accurate data on travel times, it becomes challenging to implement precise
interventions to ease traffic congestion and improve overall mobility in Yangon.

1.3 Aim & Objective

This study aims to conduct a thorough analysis of travel times between Shwe Kaung
Kywel Restaurant and Kaung Kaung Cafe along Insein Road in Yangon, Myanmar. We plan to
use an innovative methodology involving license plate tracking to collect real-time data on travel
durations between these two points. In addition to the main objective, this study has several
specific aims:
1. Analyze Travel Time Distribution: The study will examine the distribution of travel times
between Shwe Kaung Kywel Restaurant and Kaung Kaung Cafe. This analysis will help identify
average travel durations and variability in commute times. Understanding these patterns is
crucial for optimizing transportation planning and resource allocation.
2. Evaluate Traffic Congestion: The study will assess the level of traffic congestion along
Insein Road by analyzing fluctuations in travel times. It will also identify potential bottlenecks or
areas of congestion. This assessment will provide valuable insights for implementing strategies
to mitigate traffic congestion and enhance the overall efficiency of the transportation network.
3. Validate License Plate Tracking Methodology: The study aims to validate the effectiveness
and reliability of the license plate tracking methodology for measuring travel times in urban
environments. By comparing the data collected through this method with alternative approaches,
researchers intend to assess the accuracy and feasibility of this novel technique for future
transportation studies.

1.4 Study Area

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 The study area comprises the stretch of Insein Road from Shwe Kaung Kywel Restaurant
to Kaung Kaung Cafe, situated within the bustling urban landscape of Yangon City. Insein Road
plays a pivotal role in the city's transportation network, connecting residential areas, commercial
hubs, and recreational spots. Shwe Kaung Kywel Restaurant and Kaung Kaung Cafe were
selected as endpoints due to their strategic positioning and popularity among residents and
visitors. The study's scope extends beyond the physical road to include the surrounding urban
environment, such as intersections, pedestrian crossings, and other infrastructure elements that
impact travel times and traffic flow. By focusing on this specific segment of Insein Road, the
study aims to capture the complexities of travel behavior and traffic patterns within a typical
urban setting. These insights will be invaluable for informing transportation planning and
management strategies in Yangon.

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Chapter 2: Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
Travel Time Studies, also referred to as Travel Time & Delay Studies, are crucial
components of transportation research. They offer valuable insights into travel durations and the
various factors that contribute to delays along specific routes. These studies go beyond simply
measuring the time spent driving; they also analyze the root causes of delays. This
comprehensive approach is invaluable for assessing road functionality and pinpointing areas
where improvements can be made to enhance traffic flow.

2.2 Importance of Travel Time Study

Travel time studies have been conducted in transportation research for many years due to
their usefulness in various areas:
1. Determining route efficiency: Assessing how well a road can handle traffic is crucial.
Understanding, if a road is efficiently managing traffic or experiencing congestion, helps in
making informed decisions for transportation planning and management.
2. Identifying Delay Hotspots: Recognizing locations that frequently experience delays and
analyzing the causes is vital. Factors such as high traffic volume, construction, or inefficient
traffic signals can contribute to delays, highlighting areas needing attention.
3. Measuring Improvement: Monitoring changes made to roads or traffic systems allows for
evaluating their effectiveness. Comparing travel times before and after modifications provides
insights into the impact of interventions aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing delays.
4. Rating Route Efficiency: Assigning scores to roads based on their performance helps
prioritize areas needing intervention. By comparing the efficiency of different routes,
transportation authorities can allocate resources effectively to address congestion and improve
traffic flow.
5. Understanding Specific Travel Times: Analyzing travel times on specific road segments
aids in better trip planning and ensures the accuracy of traffic models. Understanding variations
in travel times helps optimize routes and improve transportation efficiency.
6. Tracking Trends Over Time: Regularly collecting travel time data enables monitoring trends
and changes in road performance over time. This longitudinal analysis informs future planning
efforts and ensures that transportation infrastructure continues to meet the needs of users
effectively.

2.3 Understanding Travel Time and Delay

- Travel Time: The duration it takes for a vehicle to travel from one point to another on a
road.
- Running Time: The time a vehicle spends in motion while traveling along the road.
- Delay: Additional time spent beyond what is expected, typically due to factors beyond
the driver's control, such as traffic congestion or road construction.
- Operational Delay: Delays caused by obstacles within the traffic stream, such as
congestion or accidents.

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 - Impedance: Factors such as side friction or internal friction that interfere with traffic
flow, leading to delays.
- Stopped-Time Delay: Delay experienced when a vehicle comes to a complete stop, such
as at traffic signals or due to congestion.
- Fixed Delay: Delays caused by control devices like traffic signals, irrespective of traffic
volume.
- Travel Time Delay: The difference between the actual travel time and the time it would
take under ideal, uncongested conditions.

Chapter 3: Methodology
Conducting Travel Time & Delay Studies involves various methodologies, each tailored
to the specific objectives of the study, available resources, and characteristics of the study area.
Here are some commonly used methods:

3.1 Using a Test Vehicle

Floating-Car Technique: In this method, a test vehicle driven by an observer travels
along the test section, recording the time taken to traverse the route. The test car mimics the
behavior of an average vehicle, providing insights into real-world travel times.
Average-Speed Technique: The test vehicle drives at the approximate average speed of
the traffic stream, recording the time taken to cover the study section. Additional data, such as
stopped-time delays, can also be collected. This method is suitable for multilane highways.
Moving Vehicle Technique: In this approach, the test vehicle drives at a safe speed
within the traffic stream, without exceeding the facility's design speed. The 85th percentile speed
is often used as a reference point. This method ensures that data collection is conducted under
realistic traffic conditions.

3.2. Method not Requiring Test Vehicles

License-Plate Observations: Observers stationed at the beginning and end of the test
section record the last three or four digits of passing cars' license plates along with the
corresponding time. Data reduction is performed by matching the arrival times at both ends,
allowing for the calculation of travel times and delays.
Interview Method: This method involves obtaining information from drivers who
frequent the study site, such as travel times and delays. It can yield a large amount of data in a
relatively short time but requires cooperation from respondents.

3.3 Using Intelligent Transportation System

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 Advanced technologies like GPS devices and cell phones can be utilized for data
collection. GPS devices offer high accuracy and compatibility with Geographic Information
Systems (GIS), making them suitable for studies. Cell phones can also be leveraged for data
collection, providing real-time information on travel times and traffic conditions.

3.4 Methodology Used

Our team utilized the License Plate Method as a practical and efficient approach to gather
travel time and delay data for our study. This method, which does not require a test vehicle,
involved strategically positioning observers at the beginning and end of the designated test
section, allowing for the systematic recording of passing vehicles' license plate numbers and
corresponding times.
Observer Placement: Six team members were stationed at Kaung Kaung Café, and five team
members were located at Shwe Kaung Kywel Restaurant along Insein Road. These locations
were strategically chosen to ensure comprehensive coverage of the traffic flow.
Data Collection: Observers diligently recorded the last three digits of passing vehicles' license
plates, along with the precise time of passage. This data collection process was conducted from
1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, capturing a representative sample of vehicles traversing the study route.
Data Reduction and Analysis: Upon completion of data collection, the recorded license plate
numbers and passage times were cross-referenced to identify vehicles that passed through both
observation points. By matching the arrival times at the entry and exit points for each recorded
license plate, the travel time for each vehicle was calculated.
Quality Assurance: Rigorous quality assurance measures were implemented throughout the data
collection process to ensure accuracy and reliability. This included double-checking of recorded
data and consistency checks to minimize errors and discrepancies.
3.4.1 Advantages of the License Plate Method
Cost-Effective: The license plate method is relatively cost-effective compared to other data
collection techniques, as it does not require specialized equipment or test vehicles.
Non-Intrusive: This method is non-intrusive and does not disrupt traffic flow, making it suitable
for conducting studies in real-world traffic conditions.
Efficiency: The License Plate Method allows for the collection of a large volume of data within
a relatively short time frame.
Versatility: The method can be applied to various types of roads and study sections, ranging
from urban streets to highways.

The License Plate Method proved to be a practical and effective approach for our travel
time and delay study, providing valuable insights into traffic patterns and travel behavior along

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the designated route. By leveraging this methodology, our team was able to gather
comprehensive data to inform transportation planning and management decisions, ultimately
contributing to efforts aimed at optimizing traffic flow and enhancing mobility on Insein Road.

4. Research Data Analysis and Discussion

4.1. Data Analysis
From matching, we got a travel time of 133 vehicles.
Sample Count Station License Cumulative Travel
No. No. Point Plate Time Time
128 B 0 0:34:35
1 0:02:01
132 A 0 0:32:34
173 B 1 0:28:55
2 0:02:03
111 A 1 0:26:52
139 B 4 0:21:26
3 0:01:19
74 A 4 0:20:07
260 B 7 0:44:52
4 0:02:19
177 A 7 0:42:34
31 B 15 0:08:38
5 0:02:55
22 A 15 0:05:42
88 B 17 0:22:35
6 0:02:12
80 A 17 0:20:23
95 A 24 0:27:41
7 0:02:45
114 B 24 0:30:26
72 B 28 0:11:28
8 0:02:41
32 A 28 0:08:46
147 B 29 0:40:43
9 0:02:26
159 A 29 0:38:17
58 B 32 0:09:27
10 0:02:02
31 A 32 0:07:25
125 B 44 0:17:42
11 0:04:37
50 A 44 0:13:05
34 A 47 0:08:25
12 0:02:31
48 B 47 0:10:56
82 A 52 0:24:01
13 0:02:37
101 B 52 0:26:38
205 B 77 0:36:00
14 0:02:18
139 A 77 0:33:42
72 B 80 0:18:31
15 0:02:16
59 A 80 0:16:16
61 B 86 0:09:48
16 0:02:45
29 A 86 0:07:03

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 233 B 96 0:40:47
17 0:02:11
163 A 96 0:38:36
263 B 110 0:45:08
18 0:02:47
128 A 110 0:42:21
91 A 120 0:26:18
19 0:02:52
108 B 120 0:29:10
161 B 122 0:25:52
20 0:02:30
98 A 122 0:23:22
240 B 123 0:42:05
21 0:02:22
169 A 123 0:39:42
56 B 133 0:14:17
22 0:05:58
30 A 133 0:08:19
84 B 138 0:21:18
23 0:02:52
71 A 138 0:18:26
35 B 148 0:05:45
24 0:02:17
17 A 148 0:03:28
112 B 155 0:30:07
25 0:02:21
113 A 155 0:27:45
28 B 166 0:04:41
26 0:03:27
4 A 166 0:01:14
99 A 175 0:29:11
27 0:10:22
223 B 175 0:39:33
246 B 178 0:42:44
28 0:03:10
168 A 178 0:39:34
127 B 179 0:34:20
29 0:02:49
126 A 179 0:31:31
58 B 188 0:15:19
30 0:09:52
21 A 188 0:05:27
91 B 202 0:14:04
31 0:02:19
45 A 202 0:11:45
60 A 212 0:16:20
32 0:02:20
73 B 212 0:18:40
160 B 214 0:25:42
33 0:02:17
99 A 214 0:23:25
154 B 218 0:24:14
34 0:02:24
77 A 218 0:21:50
209 B 246 0:37:33
35 0:08:33
98 A 246 0:29:00
197 B 260 0:34:36
36 0:08:00
93 A 260 0:26:36
67 B 271 0:10:52
37 0:02:30
31 A 271 0:08:22
16 B 290 0:04:15
38 0:02:00
8 A 290 0:02:15

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 273 B 293 0:46:46
39 0:02:24
191 A 293 0:44:22
274 B 298 0:46:59
40 0:02:40
190 A 298 0:44:19
158 B 322 0:25:13
41 0:05:37
73 A 322 0:19:36
61 B 324 0:16:01
42 0:02:37
51 A 324 0:13:24
193 B 335 0:34:24
43 0:02:30
127 A 335 0:31:54
173 B 337 0:46:53
44 0:02:12
192 A 337 0:44:42
30 A 346 0:07:12
45 0:02:36
42 B 346 0:09:48
267 B 348 0:45:54
46 0:02:35
186 A 348 0:43:19
161 B 352 0:44:43
47 0:02:08
178 A 352 0:42:36
120 A 356 0:37:33
48 0:03:13
148 B 356 0:40:46
281 B 383 0:48:39
49 0:04:04
134 A 383 0:44:35
226 B 386 0:39:42
50 0:02:15
119 A 386 0:37:27
184 B 404 0:32:52
51 0:01:50
123 A 404 0:31:02
59 A 421 0:16:12
52 0:04:40
80 B 421 0:20:52
159 B 435 0:25:40
53 0:02:06
101 A 435 0:23:34
97 A 443 0:28:54
54 0:03:41
124 B 443 0:32:35
242 B 445 0:42:20
55 0:03:34
123 A 445 0:38:46
123 B 447 0:32:28
56 0:02:52
120 A 447 0:29:36
198 B 451 0:34:45
57 0:07:12
94 A 451 0:27:33
90 B 452 0:14:02
58 0:03:05
42 A 452 0:10:57
8 A 454 0:01:46
59 0:12:00
54 B 454 0:13:46
156 B 465 0:24:39
60 0:06:51
66 A 465 0:17:48

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 14 B 483 0:04:07
61 0:02:31
5 A 483 0:01:36
36 B 488 0:05:49
62 0:02:39
13 A 488 0:03:09
250 B 490 0:43:27
63 0:02:20
174 A 490 0:41:07
145 A 490 0:35:26
64 0:02:55
213 B 490 0:38:20
195 B 496 0:34:30
65 0:02:26
104 A 496 0:32:04
55 A 500 0:13:46
66 0:11:36
95 B 500 0:25:22
82 B 503 0:21:11
67 0:02:01
77 A 503 0:19:11
83 B 506 0:13:03
68 0:02:32
41 A 506 0:10:31
81 A 507 0:23:45
69 0:02:48
100 B 507 0:26:33
227 B 534 0:39:53
70 0:03:45
118 A 534 0:36:08
53 A 537 0:13:33
71 0:00:41
55 B 537 0:14:14
74 B 553 0:19:46
72 0:02:38
62 A 553 0:17:08
120 B 571 0:32:10
73 0:02:06
121 A 571 0:30:04
111 A 581 0:33:36
74 0:03:12
137 B 581 0:36:48
91 B 616 0:23:37
75 0:02:24
84 A 616 0:21:13
57 B 619 0:09:18
76 0:07:00
114 B 619 0:16:18
49 A 619 0:13:17
77 0:00:44
89 B 625 0:14:00
109 B 626 0:15:36
78 0:02:32
47 A 626 0:13:04
26 A 645 0:06:11
79 0:03:54
44 B 645 0:10:05
76 B 649 0:12:03
80 0:02:21
36 A 649 0:09:42
108 A 653 0:32:33
81 0:02:41
130 B 653 0:35:14
82 28 A 665 0:06:53 0:02:45

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 40 B 665 0:09:38
248 B 674 0:43:02
83 0:02:51
124 A 674 0:40:11
141 B 685 0:22:35
84 0:03:50
69 A 685 0:18:45
224 B 687 0:39:35
85 0:02:14
152 A 687 0:37:21
26 B 688 0:06:51
86 0:02:04
17 A 688 0:04:47
261 B 691 0:44:54
87 0:02:22
129 A 691 0:42:32
236 B 693 0:40:56
88 0:02:43
157 A 693 0:38:13
244 B 708 0:42:37
89 0:03:12
167 A 708 0:39:26
48 A 715 0:12:45
90 0:02:11
57 B 715 0:14:56
200 B 725 0:35:00
91 0:03:04
102 A 725 0:31:56
43 B 756 0:10:00
92 0:02:07
29 A 756 0:07:53
77 B 757 0:20:17
93 0:02:29
68 A 757 0:17:48
93 B 757 0:24:11
94 0:02:33
86 A 757 0:21:39
235 B 763 0:40:51
95 0:02:27
122 A 763 0:38:24
239 B 766 0:42:03
96 0:02:40
166 A 766 0:39:23
201 B 767 0:35:31
97 0:03:29
103 A 767 0:32:02
151 B 773 0:24:04
98 0:02:23
87 A 773 0:21:41
72 A 780 0:19:15
99 0:02:11
86 B 780 0:21:26
45 B 800 0:07:23
100 0:02:52
16 A 800 0:04:30
64 A 803 0:17:32
101 0:02:25
75 B 803 0:19:57
51 A 805 0:13:21
102 0:03:32
64 B 805 0:16:53
137 B 809 0:21:02
103 0:02:00
75 A 809 0:19:03
104 153 B 817 0:24:11 0:02:52

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 76 A 817 0:21:19
96 A 818 0:27:52
105 0:02:40
115 B 818 0:30:32
139 B 824 0:37:11
106 0:02:32
142 A 824 0:34:39
18 A 833 0:03:32
107 0:02:40
23 B 833 0:06:12
180 B 838 0:31:27
108 0:05:59
89 A 838 0:25:28
117 A 841 0:35:46
109 0:02:46
142 B 841 0:38:32
220 B 849 0:39:20
110 0:02:44
151 A 849 0:36:36
106 B 855 0:15:27
111 0:02:21
48 A 855 0:13:06
81 B 863 0:12:27
112 0:02:47
34 A 863 0:09:40
178 B 877 0:30:18
113 0:02:31
114 A 877 0:27:48
276 B 886 0:48:14
114 0:04:41
132 A 886 0:43:33
62 B 890 0:09:51
115 0:02:31
26 A 890 0:07:19
38 B 891 0:05:59
116 0:02:40
14 A 891 0:03:19
186 B 891 0:33:13
117 0:01:57
101 A 891 0:31:16
27 B 893 0:04:30
118 0:01:57
11 A 893 0:02:33
27 A 894 0:06:19
119 0:02:45
35 B 894 0:09:04
109 B 906 0:29:18
120 0:02:43
110 A 906 0:26:34
46 B 910 0:07:27
121 0:02:28
19 A 910 0:05:00
127 B 914 0:17:49
122 0:02:21
55 A 914 0:15:28
204 B 923 0:35:43
123 0:02:49
110 A 923 0:32:54
71 B 933 0:11:04
124 0:01:56
33 A 933 0:09:08
40 B 938 0:06:11
125 0:02:21
14 A 938 0:03:50

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 70 B 940 0:11:02
126 0:02:23
37 A 940 0:08:39
154 B 944 0:42:20
127 0:02:05
173 A 944 0:40:14
135 B 957 0:20:00
128 0:02:47
64 A 957 0:17:14
208 B 959 0:36:59
129 0:02:30
141 A 959 0:34:29
130 115 B 980 0:16:24 0:02:21
53 A 980 0:14:03
92 B 988 0:24:08
131 0:03:02
83 A 988 0:21:06
131 A 991 0:42:37
132 0:02:15
163 B 991 0:44:52
268 B 992 0:46:18
133 0:03:33
180 A 992 0:42:44
Average Travel Time 0:03:07

4.2 Discussion
The data provided offers valuable insights into the travel time and delays experienced
along the designated route during the study period. Analyzing the recorded travel times and
cumulative delays allows us to draw meaningful conclusions regarding the efficiency of the route
and potential areas for improvement in traffic management.

4.2.1 Average Travel Time

The average travel time, calculated across all recorded instances, provides a
comprehensive overview of the typical duration required to traverse the study section. From our
calculations, the average travel time is approximately 3 minutes and 7 seconds. This metric
serves as a baseline for evaluating the effectiveness of traffic operations and identifying
deviations from expected travel patterns.

4.2.2 Variability in Travel Time

Examining individual travel time observations reveals considerable variability in the
duration required for vehicles to complete the study section. Some vehicles exhibit relatively
short travel times, while others experience prolonged delays. This variance underscores the
influence of factors such as traffic volume, road conditions, and external disruptions on travel
efficiency.

Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendation

5.1 Conclusion

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 In conclusion, the travel time study conducted along Insein Road has provided valuable
insights into the dynamics of traffic flow and operational efficiency within the study area. The
analysis of recorded data revealed variability in travel times and underscored the importance of
data-driven approaches in informing traffic management strategies. By comprehensively
assessing travel patterns, this study contributes to ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing
transportation systems and optimizing travel experiences for road users.

5.2 Future Recommendations

5.2.1 Improvement for Future Studies
Enhance Data Collection Methods: Future studies can benefit from the integration of
advanced data collection technologies such as automated license plate recognition systems and
real-time traffic monitoring sensors to capture more comprehensive and accurate data. While the
license plate method used in this study provides valuable information on travel time, it does not
provide information on delays. Integrating additional data collection methods such as video
recording or GPS tracking can provide insights into the specific factors contributing to
congestion and delays.
Expand Sample Size and Study Scope: Increasing the sample size and extending the
study scope to encompass a broader range of road segments and periods can provide a more
comprehensive understanding of traffic dynamics and facilitate more robust analyses. By
capturing data from a larger and more diverse set of traffic conditions, future studies can better
identify patterns, trends, and potential areas for improvement.

5.2.2 Improve Travel Time on Insein Road

Implement Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS): Deployment of ITS solutions
such as adaptive traffic signal control systems and dynamic route guidance can optimize traffic
flow, reduce congestion, and improve travel time reliability along Insein Road. By leveraging
real-time data and advanced algorithms, ITS technologies can dynamically adjust traffic signals,
manage lane assignments, and provide drivers with personalized route recommendations to
minimize delays and improve overall travel efficiency.
Infrastructure Upgrades: Investing in infrastructure upgrades, including road widening,
intersection improvements, and dedicated bus lanes, can enhance capacity and alleviate
bottlenecks, thereby improving travel time efficiency. By modernizing roadway infrastructure
and incorporating design features that prioritize efficient traffic flow and accommodate
multimodal transportation, Insein Road can better meet the growing demands of urban mobility
while enhancing safety and accessibility for all road users.

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