Synchro is a Preliminary Schematics-stage tool used to evaluate urban roadways and rural/urban intersections. Synchro performs the HCM calculations and includes proprietary equations particularly useful for optimizing signal timing parameters along signalized arterials within a static model. Synchro inputs include volume, roadway, and signal timing parameters. Bing maps are embedded in Synchro and Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) shapefiles (or other georeferenced files/aerials) and can be imported into Synchro such that links/nodes are mapped correctly. Synchro can be calibrated to local conditions by adjusting default inputs.

Synchro outputs include traffic operations MOEs and environmental MOEs (fuel consumption and emissions). Synchro reports the HCM calculation results or Synchro static model percentile delay results for each location or network. The HCM results can be reported for intersection analyses, except for signal timing optimization projects. The Synchro proprietary delay calculations employ a percentile delay method, where delays are calculated for the 10th, 30th, 50th, 70th, and 90th percentile traffic volumes and then averaged to provide the reported delay values. Additionally, Synchro is capable of multi-file comparisons and TIA reporting.