The 20th and 21st joint COTA International Conference of Transportation Professionals (CICTP 2020-21)

In order to improve previous studies neglecting the influence of travelers' travel behavior on network traffic flow, this study proposes a nonlinear, discrete-time model considering the influence of travelers’ behaviors in cost estimation and route choice. Four parameters are introduced to denote the difference in travelers’ behaviors and travelers are divided into four types: sensible traveler, conservative traveler, sensitive traveler and follower traveler. The linear stability of the stochastic user equilibrium is analyzed by studying the eigenvalues of the Jacobian matrix of the model. The model proposed in this study is demonstrated on a two-route example and results of this research are as follows: Firstly, three states of network traffic flow evolution can be observed: stability, periodic motion, and chaos. Secondly, the route choice behavior can significantly affect the stability of network traffic flow. Thirdly, Travel cost estimation behaviors also affect the stability of the dynamic system.

CICTP