Flexible traffic management based on bounded rationality and indifference bands

Jacob Dirk Vreeswijk, Eric C. van Berkum, Bart van Arem

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Abstract

Constrained cognitive abilities cause imperfections in traveler’s choice behavior which are largely systematic and predictable. This paper introduces the concept ‘regulation flexibility’ to build upon this knowledge, taking it as an advantage to increase the effectiveness of traffic network management rather than a threat. It assumes that within set boundaries, traffic management measures are perceived as acceptable by travelers, enabling road operators to have certain control over behavioral response and undesirable consequences. A conceptual framework for regulation flexibility is provided, following the three stages of the decision-making process: observation, evaluation and choice. Emphasis is on the processes underlying choice and behavior, to explain deviations from rational behavior, rather than the outcome itself. The notion of indifference bands reported in literature is taken as a starting point and applied in a broader context to specify regulation flexibility in all three stages. This paper debates that: (1) travelers’ ability to detect changes in attributes of their trip or the performance of a traffic system is limited, (2) travelers make mistakes in estimating the value of changes, and (3) great diversity in applied choice patterns cannot be explained by observation and evaluation factors alone. In each of the three decision-making stages, multiple aspects are of influence to the perception of travelers and point toward the need for more empirical research. Future research will focus on travelers’ ability to observe changes in attributes of their trip or the performance of a traffic system.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2nd International Conference on Models and Technologies for ITS, Leuven, Belgium, June 22-24, 2011 (on CD-rom)
EditorsF. Viti, B. Immers, C. Tampere
Place of PublicationLeuven, Belgium
PublisherITS
Pages1-4
Number of pages4
Publication statusPublished - 22 Jun 2011
Event2nd International Conference on Models and Technologies for Intelligent Transportation Systems, MT-ITS 2011 - Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Duration: 22 Jun 201124 Jun 2011
Conference number: 2

Conference

Conference2nd International Conference on Models and Technologies for Intelligent Transportation Systems, MT-ITS 2011
Abbreviated titleMT-ITS
Country/TerritoryBelgium
CityLeuven
Period22/06/1124/06/11

Keywords

  • METIS-275031
  • behavioral response
  • bounded rationality
  • indifference band
  • Traffic network management
  • IR-101460

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