Analytical Modeling of Driver-Guidance Schemes with Flow Variability Considerations

Abstract

The role that advanced traveler information systems (ATISs) are likely to play in alleviating traffic congestion is explored. The impacts of and benefits from traveler guidance systems that are based on instantaneous as well as predictive information are assessed by developing an analytical formulation for a simple prototypical network. Previous research introducing day-to-day flow variability with both compliance and market-penetration considerations is reviewed, and the case in which traffic flow varies within the day is developed. Two strategies for determining route-guidance directives are considered in the case of predictive information. Also, the integration of ATIS and traffic control through open-loop coordination measures is introduced, with the objective of finding the optimal signal control to maintain user equilibrium on alternate routes. The superiority of predictive information in maintaining guidance validity and mitigating the potential adverse impacts of information is demonstrated.