If the number of vehicles that wish to travel past a point during a time period is considered, what term is used to describe that quantity?

If the number of vehicles that wish to travel past a point during a time period is considered, what term is used to describe that quantity?

• A. Phase
• B. Saturation Flow Rate
• C. Demand
• D. Arterial Highway

Answer: (C)

Demand describes the number of vehicles that wish to pass a point during a time period. It represents the potential flow, the upstream desire to move, usually expressed as vehicles per hour. This quantity captures how many vehicles would pass if there were no restrictions, and it is distinct from the actual flow (what actually passes) and from capacity or saturation flow rate (the maximum that can pass when the signal is green and space is available). When demand is less than capacity, flow can meet demand; when demand exceeds capacity, the actual flow is limited by the capacity and a queue forms.

Demand describes the number of vehicles that wish to pass a point during a time period. It represents the potential flow, the upstream desire to move, usually expressed as vehicles per hour. This quantity captures how many vehicles would pass if there were no restrictions, and it is distinct from the actual flow (what actually passes) and from capacity or saturation flow rate (the maximum that can pass when the signal is green and space is available). When demand is less than capacity, flow can meet demand; when demand exceeds capacity, the actual flow is limited by the capacity and a queue forms.