Traffic signal priority issues have been a research subject for several decades in Poland and worldwide. Traffic control algorithms have evolved considerably during this period and have become increasingly advanced. Most of them operate within coordinated street sequences, which adds to their complexity. Tramway priority affects traffic conditions for other road users, so many aspects must be taken into account when choosing a priority solution. Typically, one of the main criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of priority is reducing travel time for the priority vehicle while ensuring that the travel times of other traffic participants through the intersection are maintained or slightly deteriorated. However, the energy aspects are often overlooked. This publication aims to investigate how local priority for tramways in traffic signals of coordinated streets affects energy consumption for tramway traction needs. The study was conducted using a microscopic modeling method with PTV Vissim software (ver. 2021). The models were built for coordinated sequences with different levels of priority. Real traffic control algorithms with priority were implemented into the model on the sequence of Marymoncka Street and Grochowska Street in Warsaw. Then, by introducing changes to the parameters of the algorithms, their effect on traffic characteristics, including estimated power consumption, was studied. The results obtained from the computer simulation were statistically processed using R software (ver. 4.3.2). The analysis results prove the effectiveness of tramway priority operation, show its impact on electricity consumption, and allow us to determine the limits of its effective application. Thus, they complement the knowledge of the impact of tramway priority on traffic. The research results also have practical value, as they help us to make rational decisions in the process of designing traffic control algorithms at intersections with a multi-criteria approach.

The article presents an analysis of priority solutions for trams at a selected sequence of intersections in Warsaw (Poland). An analysis of the literature has shown the topicality of this issue. A computer simulation model of a coordinated sequence of intersections was constructed. Three test scenarios were designed: the existing control system, the new coordinated fixed-time control system, and the adaptive control system with active priority. In the simulation process, detailed travel characteristics of trams and other traffic participants in a selected section were obtained for the three varying scenarios. Electric energy consumption for traction needs and pollutant emissions was then estimated for each of the variants. It was concluded that for the analyzed configuration, implementation of the adaptive priority will result in a reduction of tram time losses by up to 25%, a reduction in energy consumption by up to 23%, and a reduction in the emission of pollutants from individual vehicles by up to 3% in relation to the original variant. The conducted research may be the basis for a comprehensive method of assessing the effectiveness of applying the adaptative priority when designing new tramway lines and modernizing the existing ones.