THE LAW OF PEAK-HOUR EXPRESSWAY CONGESTION

This paper examines peak-hour traffic congestion and the nature of its relationship to traffic equilibrium theory as supported by Down's Law of Peak-Hour Traffic Congestion. This Law states that on urban commuter expressways, peak-hour traffic congestion rises to meet maximum capacity. A complex set of forces lie behind this Law, which are analyzed by presentation of a model of commuter decision-making and its underlying set of assumptions. Traffic equilibrium is further discussed and illustrated through 3 commuting scenarios or cases: 1) a city with automobile-driving commuters only; 2) a city with both automobile-driving and bus-riding commuters; and 3) a city with segregated track public transit and automobile-driving commuters.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: References; Tables;
  • Pagination: p. 393-409
  • Serial:
    • Traffic Quarterly
    • Volume: 16
    • Issue Number: 3
    • Publisher: Eno Transportation Foundation
    • ISSN: 0041-0713

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00818387
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Oct 10 2001 12:00AM