Which factor does signal progression aim to optimize?

Which factor does signal progression aim to optimize?

• A. The number of pedestrian crossings along a corridor.
• B. The total volume of traffic during peak hours.
• C. The coordination of signal timing to favor progression of platoons.
• D. The color coding of lane markings.

Answer: (C)

The main idea behind signal progression is to coordinate the timing of traffic signals along a corridor so that groups of vehicles can move through several intersections with minimal stopping. By offsetting green phases so a platoon of cars travels at the intended speed, you preserve momentum, reduce stops, and make travel along the corridor more predictable and faster. That focus—aligning signal timing to favor the smooth advance of platoons—is what progression is optimizing. The other factors aren’t about this coordinated flow: pedestrian crossings affect pedestrian access and safety, not the continuous movement of vehicle groups; total peak-hour traffic volume is a demand level, not how signals are timed; and color coding of lane markings deals with how drivers navigate lanes, not the timing of greens.

The main idea behind signal progression is to coordinate the timing of traffic signals along a corridor so that groups of vehicles can move through several intersections with minimal stopping. By offsetting green phases so a platoon of cars travels at the intended speed, you preserve momentum, reduce stops, and make travel along the corridor more predictable and faster. That focus—aligning signal timing to favor the smooth advance of platoons—is what progression is optimizing.

The other factors aren’t about this coordinated flow: pedestrian crossings affect pedestrian access and safety, not the continuous movement of vehicle groups; total peak-hour traffic volume is a demand level, not how signals are timed; and color coding of lane markings deals with how drivers navigate lanes, not the timing of greens.