Route Switching Behavior on Freeways with the Provision of Different Types of Real-Time Traffic Information

This study examines the effects of the provision of various types of real-time traffic information on freeway travelers' route switching behavior. A stated preference survey was conducted to gather socioeconomic characteristics of travelers and their node-to-node route switching tendency. The experimental design of the stated preference survey is based on four types of real-time information provided to travelers who were randomly selected at rest areas on freeways between two cities in Taiwan. The four types of real-time information were defined as qualitative, quantitative, qualitative guidance, and quantitative guidance. The bounded rationality framework, also known as indifference band approach, is applied to model the freeway route switching behavior. Two important variables, travel time and travel cost, are included in the indifference band. The best route switching rule, travelers’ current routes as compared to the best route, is investigated to further provide insights into freeways travelers’ route switching behavior with the provision of different types of real-time traffic information. Findings showed that the freeway travelers preferred real-time traffic information with guidance and quantitative type of information. Empirical results indicated that traffic was more uniformly distributed among freeways after the provision of real-time traffic information. The model results also show that male travelers and travelers with a higher income would be most likely to switch to the best route, while elderly travelers would be less likely to switch. The effect of travel time on freeway switching behavior was larger than travel cost. Suggestions for further research are discussed.

• Record URL:
  http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6VG7-4FVH45Y-1/1/415325b2989c3f61d07aa0f3895d5fa5
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/09658564
• Authors:
  • Jou, Rong-Chang
  • Lam, Soi-Hoi
  • Liu, Yu-Hsin
  • Chen, Ke-Hong
• Publication Date: 2005-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 445-461
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice
  • Volume: 39
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 0965-8564
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/09658564

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Driver information systems; Empirical methods; Freeways; Real time information; Route choice; Route guidance; Socioeconomic factors; Stated preferences; Traffic characteristics; Traffic distribution; Travel behavior; Travel costs; Travel surveys; Travel time
• Uncontrolled Terms: Bounded rationality framework; Indifference band approach; Route switching
• Geographic Terms: Taiwan
• Subject Areas: Economics; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; Safety and Human Factors; Society; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01000793
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Jun 13 2005 12:59AM