Estimation Of Three-Wheeler Passenger Unit (Pcu) Using Headway Method Case Study Of Abuja Nigeria

Abstract

Traffic stream in many countries including Nigeria is made of different vehicles having different static and dynamic characteristic. The ban of two wheelers vehicles in Abuja city center has resulted in upsurge in the use of three wheelers. There is therefore the need to estimate the passenger car unit for this city due to the change in means of transportation for effective transport planning, designing and operation analysis. In this study, the headway method was used to develop a PCU value for trucks and three-wheelers at signalized intersections in Abuja, Nigeria. The intersections were selected based on stratified random method of sampling. Data was collected using manual method. The PCU obtained from this research is 0.92 and 1.82 for three-wheeler at Apo intersection; followed PCU of 0.92 and 2.34 at Gwarimpa intersection and lastly a PCU of 0.96 and 2.09 at Games village Intersection. The research concluded on a state average PCU value of 2.08 and 0.93 for Trucks and three wheelers for planning, designing and operation analysis in Abuja. The research recommends adapting the passenger car unit values obtained for local use and design of intersections in Abuja for efficient operation of highway facilities in the city.