Browsing by Author "Kumarage, A"

Now showing 1 - 11 of 11

item: Conference-Full-text
A comparative study of traffic flow models: a case study in Colombo, Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2021-10) Karunathilake, A; Perera, P; Herath, O; Sivakumar, T; Kumarage, A; Gunaruwan, TL
The hassle-free travelling environment is one critical factor that will make any city attractive to its residents and visitors. However, Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, faces massive traffic problems. Therefore, recalibrating and revalidating traffic model parameters are essential to better predict Colombo traffic characteristics for better transport planning and operation. The attribute values estimated for Sri Lanka from previous studies have become outdated. Moreover, no comparison of traffic flow models has been conducted based on current or recent Sri Lankan vehicle mix or road designs. Further, finding models developed to derive traffic flow variables on different road sections are hard to find. Hence, this study fulfils the above gap by estimating new attribute values using R software for different road sections in the Colombo District using Greenshields, Greenberg, Underwood models and their extended modifications.
item: Conference-Full-text
Determining a vehicle operating cost model for Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2023-08-26) Kulasinghe, M; Kumarage, A; Gunaruwan, TL
Vehicle Operating Cost (VOC) models are essential tools for individuals, businesses, fleets operators, and policymakers who want to accurately estimate the costs associated with owning and operating a vehicle. These models consider various factors, such as fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and depreciation, to provide a comprehensive view of the total cost of ownership. However, selecting the best one can be challenging with so many models available. This research aims to evaluate and compare different global vehicle operating cost models to identify the best one. The study will use a qualitative method, including expert opinions. The evaluation criteria will include accuracy, ease of use, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. The findings of this research will provide valuable insights for those who rely on vehicle operating cost models to make informed decisions about their transportation needs. By using the best model, they can minimize their costs, optimize their resources, and improve their overall efficiency.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Development of a methodology for bus route network analysis for the western province
(2002) Sirisoma, RMNT; Bandara, JMSJ; Kumarage, A
The selection of an optimal public transport route structure for a transit network is a combinatorial type optimization problem. Therefore finding a good solution would not be based on theoretical network analysis methodologies. All passengers would prefer to have a direct route connecting each node pair so that it will reduce their travel cost and transfer cost. Then the level of service will also increase. On the other hand, it will increase the operator cost. Further, the demand between some of the node pairs will be very low and a direct bus route cannot be justified. The operator would always prefer to operate on a route with a higher demand and higher income. Therefore, there should be a compromise between these two situations. The optimum solution should be found that satisfies both parties. Design of such a route network cannot be done manually due to the complexity of the road network and the demand distribution pattern.
item: Conference-Full-text
Development of passenger demand o-d matrix for public bus transportation in western province
(2001) Sirisoma, N; Bandara, JMSJ; Kumarage, A
The objective of this research is to develop a passenger demand Origin-Destination (O-D) matrix for public bus transport in the Western Province. This O-D matrix can be used to redesign a new network of bus routes for the Colombo Metropolitan Region. Non availability of detailed service information and passenger demand is some of the constraints encountered. The state own bus companies have limited information on bus service while the private sector has only the number of buses that have registered in each route and the number of buses operated each day. This paper identifies the input parameters that are required for creating O-D Matrices. These parameters have to be obtained from the limited amount of information available with the operators and the survey data such as bus passenger interviews, number and size of household's etc. for different zones. This paper describes a methodology to be used for the development of an O-D matrix subject to the constraints regarding availability of information.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Identifying infrastructure requirement for developing tourism in the Southern
(2014-07-11) Saparamadu, KD; Kumarage, A
The potential of Tourism in Sri Lanka was first recognized in the mid 1960's by the then Minister. The industry future was great to the extent that it could have been the largest foreign exchange contributor to the national economy. The growth of the industry was phenomenal but encountered many pitfalls due to the unplanned modifications to the existing infrastructure which was never developed adequately to accommodate the expansion of tourism. In order to develop the infrastructure many obstacles have and are being encountered. The research conducted has identified the existing and future barriers confronting the development of a planned and sustainable infrastructure in the Southern Province. Research conducted amongst tourists and industry personnel have revealed many deficiencies or inadequacies in the infrastructure that is the cause of the retardation and stagnation of tourism among other things. However most other factors that deter tourists from visiting Sri Lanka could possibly have been surmounted if the infrastructure was firmly in place to support the pace and volume of arrivals. Infrastructure deficiencies have proved a root cause of the stagnating tourism industry and these have been analysed with data retrieved through research conducted within the Southern Province. Samples were selected from customers and service providers in drawing conclusions. Statistical data obtained through the research project clearly indicates the relevance of infrastructure as an essential pre requisite for a sustainable and success driven tourism industry in the Southern Province. The evolution and history of tourism is sighted in this document to draw attention to the importance of the industry as a key ingredient for economic progress and prosperity, although focused on the Southern Province, for the entirety of Sri Lanka. The Southern Province of Sri Lanka is blessed with some of the most magnificent tourist attractions, some awaiting to be exploited to add to the glorious beauty of a paradise that would be more than a mere attraction but rather a temptation to visit.
item: Article-Full-text
Improving the capital deployment efficiency: An infrastructure investment planning process in transportation project
(Elsevier, 2021) Abeysekara, B; Perera, P; Kumar, G; Shrestha, C; Gunaruwan, L; Kumarage, A; Sadiq, R; Hewage, K
Transport infrastructure investments constitute 31% of the world's capital investments. However, there is a significant gap between the demand for large-scale transport infrastructure and investments in such infrastructure. An investigation into the causes of the above gap brings to light the inefficiencies of the current capital deployment practices throughout the project life cycle that result in additional expenditure over the optimal investments. This paper aims to review the existing body of knowledge on capital deployment efficiencies of large-scale transport infrastructure investments. The review looks into the causes of inefficiencies and practices applied for efficiency enhancement. Pareto analysis is used to prioritise the causes, and a cause and effect diagram is drawn to identify the root causes for inefficiencies. Finally, practices applied in different stages of the project life cycle are discussed. Based on these findings, a decision support outline is suggested to enhance the efficiency of each identified cause. The findings of this study provide an important foundation to set up a strategic approach to improve capital deployment efficiency of large-scale transport infrastructure investments. Accordingly, a strategic approach is proposed in policy, organisation, and project level activities to improve the capital deployment efficiency of large-scale transportation infrastructure investments in developing countries. Existing studies primarily focus on the technological advancements, without focusing on healthier governance practices. Therefore, it is essential to address the technical advancement and better governance practices to get the best value for investments. Further research is suggested on the application of a strategic approach in different types of projects.
item: Article-Full-text
Introducing a smart phone-based travel survey application
(2021-12) Jeeewanthi, B; Kumarage, A; Rathnayaka, A; Perera, AS
Travel demand models, which are simplified representations of the real-world trip decision making processes, involve a series of steps that attempt to simulate complex human behaviour.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Proceeding of the 8th annual symposium 2002 (Pre Text)
(The Engineering Research Unit University of Moratuwa, 2002-08) Kumarage, A
item: Conference-Full-text
Proceedings of the 7th Annual Symposium 2001 (Per Text)
(The Engineering Research Unit University of Moratuwa, 2001) Kumarage, A
item: Thesis-Abstract
Survey of conditions regarding traffic problems in Kandy metroplitan area
Jayatilaka, KM; Kumarage, A
In the city of Kandy traffic problems have made severe impact on people by causing inconvenience and it has affected them socially and economically. In order to find pollutions, comprehensive studies have to be carried out to collect data, to analyze them for identification of problems. The extent of the study area was confined to the study of major traffic entering the city along main and trunk roads from outstations. The main entrances to the city were considered as Tennekumbura, Katugastota, Getambe, Heeressagala Junction and Ampitiya. Surveys of traffic volume and Origin and Destination were carried out to and actual traffic volumes on major roads and traffic desires of the communities. Evaluation of the present situation of main roads to the city was done based on the findings of the studies on traffic volume and road capacities. Studies were directed to find out Peak Hour Traffic, Composition of Traffic, number of Vehicles and Passengers entering the city per day. The result of the study reveals that about 40,000 vehicles and 331,000 people enter the city daily. About 50% of the total vehicles entering the city are Car/Van/ Jeep type. Origin and destination survey data shows that only about 40% of vehicles need to home to the city center and only about 15 – 20% of vehicles need to go through the city for other destinations. Out of the four main roads, situation of the Kandy – Katugastota Road is critical where widening of road or alternative road is urgently required.11
item: Conference-Full-text
Travel time model using gps data and machine learning for bus information systems
(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2023-08-26) Samarasinghe, P; Kumarage, A; Perera, A; Nanayakkara, S; Gunaruwan, TL
Public Transportation modes are prevalent and extensively utilised means of transportation for commuters. Road congestion, bus crew issues, malfunctions, and miscellaneous factors impede buses from adhering to schedules. As a result, it is becoming problematic for commuters to arrange their travel plans confidently. Intelligent transportation systems use Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and data analytics to accurately predict real-time travel information and improve traveller and operator experience. The research gap is the unavailability of standardised techniques for mass travel time predictions using standardised analytical methods. However, recent research has focused on developing accurate travel-time models employing machine learning algorithms. Predictive models rely on past data gathered through GPS systems. The study uses the GPS data of public buses in Central Province, Sri Lanka, one thousand buses have been fitted with GPS units since 2019 (7 million of data). Realtime and historical data that were gathered through GPS units can be used to develop machine learning-based models to predict bus or passenger transport information accurately. The study analysed available data using Microsoft Azure, Statistical, Time Series and Machine algorithms for performance accuracy with lower error rates on predictions used for comparison purposes.