Platoon-Based Control Strategies and Analysis of Traffic Operations in On-Ramp Areas under a Connected Vehicle Environment

This study proposes a communication-based platoon merging control algorithm for on-ramp areas. It utilizes the SUMO (Simulation of Urban Mobility) to construct a freeway on-ramp scenario and controls vehicle operations through the TraCI (Traffic Control Interface). The simulation models vehicle-to-vehicle communication and the platoon’s cooperative lane-changing process. The algorithm optimizes the merging behavior of on-ramp vehicles, preventing frequent deceleration or stopping at the ramp’s end and minimizing disruptions to the mainline traffic at the merging area. This leads to improved traffic flow efficiency and on-ramp merging effectiveness. The research findings indicate the following: (1) The platoon control algorithm has a positive impact on the traffic operation in the on-ramp area, particularly under high traffic volumes. (2) Platoon strategy significantly enhances the merging efficiency of on-ramp vehicles. (3) The algorithm significantly reduces the travel time of vehicles through the on-ramp area, thereby enhancing both average speed and comfort.