Fundamentals of Transportation and Traffic Operations

The basic concepts in the transportation and traffic operations field that should be understood by every transportation professional are presented here in a thorough, coherent, and self-contained way. Introductory chapters on "tools" cover topics such as graphical methods, optimization, probability, stochastic processes, statistics and simulation; these are complemented by application chapters on traffic dynamics, control, observation, and scheduled modes, where the fundamental ideas are presented in depth. A key element of the author's approach is that only that material is presented which is definitely known and correct. At the same time, an effort has been made to point out various pitfalls and common errors so that they can be avoided. The result is an invaluable source of reliable, well grounded and clearly explained ideas, tools and techniques for the transportation professional.

Rod Troutbeck It is refreshing to have a text that provides a complete understanding of background material that enables the reader to establish new research on a firm foundation. Daganzo's book provides this understanding and gives new insights in to contemporary issues. This text is a must for researchers and engineers who want the 'best' start possible. It should be recommended reading for all senior classes in transportation and traffic operations. H. Michael Zhang, University of Iowa I used Professor Daganzo's book in my traffic systems course at the University of Iowa and plan to use it as a text for a first year graduate core course in transportation at the University of California at Davis. What I like most about the book are its logical clarity and emphasis on fundamental concepts and principles rather than pure techniques. The book also contains many refreshing ideas on traffic flow theory and anyone who reads this text, whether a new comer or an old timer of this field, should be able to benefit from Professor Daganzo's insights. Thanasis Ziliaskopoulos, Northwestern University This is a long overdue masterpiece that pragmatically balances theory and tools for traffic and transportation operations. In times of over-emphasis on technological advancements, Daganzo reminds us of the importance of basic theory in understanding and carrying out traffic and transportation operations. Chapter 4 is an excellent pedagogic treatise of traffic flow theory, nicely leading to traffic control in Chapter 5. These two chapters alone provide enough material for a class on traffic operations fundamentals. Chapter 6 is an ingenious presentation on observation and measurement methods for transportation systems. Daganzo's "building block" approach is successfully used for most of the topics covered, opening new ways for teaching transportation and traffic courses. The book is scholarly written, but it is still simple enough to be used by students and professionals entering the field.