What does the term "passage time" refer to in traffic signal timing?

The term "passage time" is defined as the duration a green light remains to facilitate traffic flow. In traffic signal timing, passage time is critical for ensuring that vehicles can safely and efficiently traverse an intersection during the green phase. This timing helps manage traffic congestion by allowing enough time for vehicles to enter and clear the intersection, thereby improving overall traffic movement.

While the other options touch on aspects of traffic signal operations, they do not accurately describe the specific concept of passage time. For instance, the time it takes for one vehicle to pass the signal is not representative of passage time, as it typically concerns more than just a single vehicle's movement. Similarly, the time from green to yellow indication focuses on the transition of the signal rather than the duration of the green light itself. Lastly, the time between phases in a cycle relates to the entire sequence of signal changes rather than the specific green light duration that supports traffic flow.