Dynamic user class model: theoretical framework and Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) applications

Abstract

In a traffic network users can be classified into various classes based on behavioral rules and the type of information accessible to them. However many existing models assume that the users who belong to these classes are pre-specified, which may not be sufficiently realistic, especially in the context of Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS). To relax this assumption, in this thesis, a framework is proposed to model dynamic user classes, where a user may change their behavioral rules dynamically in response to information and experience. A Dynamic User Class (DUC) model has been formulated and the properties relating to equilibrium like existence and uniqueness have been discussed. An algorithm has been proposed to solve this DUC equilibrium model. The DUC model has been used to develop a Predicted, Consistent and Coordinated information strategy for Dynamic Message Signs (PCDMS). The performance of the PCDMS strategy was compared with the performance of the prevailing and User Equilibrium information strategies under different incident scenarios, and is found to yield significant travel time benefits over the other strategies in many cases. The results have important implications for Network Design and DMS location problems.