Analyzing Energy Consumption and Emissions: A Comparative Study of Kuala Terengganu Driving Cycles During Varied Peak Hours with Traffic Congestion Insights

This research article presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of driving patterns in Kuala Terengganu during various peak hours, shedding light on the dynamic nature of urban traffic flows. The study aims to provide valuable insights into the temporal variations in vehicular behaviour within this Malaysian city, with the ultimate goal of informing transportation planning and policy decisions. To achieve this objective, a diverse dataset of vehicle trajectories, collected through GPS tracking systems, was meticulously analysed. The data encompassed two different peak hours, including morning and evening peaks which is go-to-work time and back-from-work time. Several key parameters such as speed, acceleration, deceleration, and others were meticulously extracted and statistically compared across different timeframes. The findings of this study reveal striking disparities in driving behaviour during distinct peak hours. Evening peak hours, characterized by rush hour congestion, displayed significantly lower average speeds, higher traffic density, and increased instances of abrupt acceleration and deceleration. In contrast, morning peaks exhibited more fluid traffic conditions with higher average speeds and reduced congestion. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of the nuances of driving patterns in Kuala Terengganu, shedding light on the temporal dynamics of urban traffic. Finally, the insights generated by this comparative study could be useful for urban planners, traffic control bodies, and policy-makers to minimize peak-hour traffic by using the existing transportation infrastructure more effectively. Moreover, the methodology followed in this research could be useful as a model study approach for similar research in other urban areas, resulting in normalized and efficient urban transportation.