Criticism of three-phase traffic theory

After introducing the history and main points of three-phase traffic theory, the authors continue with a critical discussion based on its theoretical features and empirical traffic data. Study data originate from the German freeway A5 close to Frankfurt, i.e. from the same freeway section that has been the basis for the development of three-phase traffic theory. Despite this, the authors end up with partially different interpretations of the observations. In particular, the authors highlight findings that are inconsistent with three-phase traffic theory and facts that question the concept of a "general pattern" of congested traffic flow. Finally, the authors discuss some open problems that call for the development of improved traffic models and further empirical studies.

• Record URL:
  • http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6V99-4VVGGRM-1/2/c6415790dd67f459779a4d2baf22a229
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/01912615
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission from Elsevier
• Authors:
  • Schonhof, Martin
  • Helbing, Dirk
• Publication Date: 2009-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: pp 784-797
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Part B: Methodological
  • Volume: 43
  • Issue Number: 7
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 0191-2615
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/01912615

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Empirical methods; Freeways; Mathematical models; Theory; Traffic congestion; Traffic data; Traffic flow
• Geographic Terms: Germany
• Subject Areas: Highways; Planning and Forecasting;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01137383
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Jul 30 2009 1:48PM