Traffic Monitoring Progam

As in any other types of complex system, York Region monitors the usage and performance of its transportation system. Our transportation system is an essential infrastructure component of our economy. Without a properly functioning transportation system that is able to move people and goods efficiently, our economy will not be the same. Thus, the main purpose of monitoring is to provide us with the critical data necessary to make informed decisions on improving the performance of our road and transit systems, such as expanding our services when and where appropriate.

For the road network, programs to monitor traffic volumes, traffic delays, turning movements at intersections and between intersections are conducted annually. With the help of York Regional Police, the amount and types of collisions on the road network are also compiled.

Ridership volumes on York Region Transit services are also counted on a regular basis on key routes and locations to facilitate the addition of bus runs and bus stop facilities.

Road Traffic Monitoring Program 

The measurement of traffic volumes is one of the most basic functions of traffic planning and management. Two traffic volume statistics used in traffic analysis are: annual average daily traffic (AADT) and turning movement counts (TMC). For AADT, the recommended traffic monitoring program consists of two basic components: a permanent (continuous) count program and a short duration count program. For TMC's, manual counts at intersections must be conducted.

Permanent Count Station (PCS) 

PCS data is needed to understand temporal (day-of-week, month, and seasonal) changes in traffic volume. The PCS program use permanent vehicle detectors that are embedded into the pavement of the road. Therefore, traffic data for every day of the year is typically available. PCS detects traffic in each direction and is capable of detecting traffic in each lane. Currently, 8 PCS' are operational.

Short Duration Counts or Automatic Traffic Recorder (ATR)

In 2003, the Region conducted 551 short duration counts along regional road links. The short duration count program is designed to provide roadway segment-specific traffic count information on a cyclical basis and forms the basic component for calculating annual average daily traffic volumes.

Turning Movement Counts (TMC)

In 2003, the Region conducted 400 TMC surveys through the Region. A TMC is a manual count of an intersection generally conducted over an 8 hour period by an observer who records detailed information such as the number of vehicles entering each approach of the location, as well as the specific turning manoeuver completed by each vehicle, i.e. left, through, or right. Often information on the number of crossing pedestrians, heavy vehicles (3 or more axles), vehicle occupancy, and vehicle queues may also collected as part of an intersection TMC.

Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT)

York Region conducts yearly traffic monitoring programs in order to evaluate changes in traffic patterns on the Regional road system. One of the fundamental reasons for conducting such programs is to assess areas of traffic growth or decline which assists to prioritize various road rehabilitation and construction projects throughout York's road network, to determine warrants for traffic signals, calibration of traffic models, and to assess the impact of new development on the regional road system.

Annual Average Daily Traffic Volumes are generated through the use of two types of automated counting stations which are strategically placed throughout the Region.

In 2003, there were a total of 559 stations which were used to record traffic volumes at various times of the year. Among these stations, 8 of them are permanent counting stations (PCS) where traffic is recorded 24 hours a day throughout the entire year. The remaining stations are non-permanent and record traffic volumes on a select sample number of days throughout the year.

For information on traffic data or traffic data requests, please email traffic.data@york.ca