Discussion

In this traffic laboratory activity, saturation flow rate can be defined with the following scenario:
Assume that we are using an intersection’s approach in which the traffic light was to stay green
for an entire hour, with the condition of traffic which is as dense as possible. The number of
vehicles that would pass through the intersection during that hour is the saturation flow rate.

From the data collected, we have obtained the saturation flow rate,s as 1730.77 veh/h/lane at
the intersection of traffic light which located at the road of UMS to Alam Mesra, within the duration
of 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.. This indicates that there is a volume of approximately 1731 of
vehicles passing through in one lane at that particular traffic light intersection.

Furthermore, there are a few factors explaining why we are not able to get the perfect constant
line for calculation of headway, ℎ𝑠 in order to get saturate flow rate. Obviously, the certain aspects
of traffic and the roadway will affect the saturation flow rate. The factors are as following:

(i) Width of lane

(ii) Number of heavy vehicle (e.g. bus, truck, etc.)
(iii) Reaction time and driving skills of driver
(iv) Type of car transmission

From what we were observing during that period, there were some heavy vehicles such as the
travelling bus and also the lorries, these vehicles generate larger number of turning movements,
causing longer headway, which in turn contributes to the low saturation flow rate at the particular
time.

Besides, the reaction time and driving skills of driver are also affecting the saturation flow rate.
This is due to the longer reaction time and poor driving skills will produce longer headway, thus
reducing the saturation flow rate.

Lastly, the type of transmission will definitely increase the headway gap. In this situation, auto
transmission will certainly increase the efficiency and reduce the action time of driver if compared
with the manual transmission. Hence, we can say that auto transmission will reduce the headway
and provide a higher saturation flow rate, making higher capacity of vehicles passing at that
particular traffic point, and producing a more efficient traffic zone.